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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naan Paavadai Thavani

From Kaalam Bathil Sollum · 1980

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Kaalam Bathil Sollum1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Naan paavaadai thaavani pottuI started wearing a traditional skirt and half-saree
Varusham naalaachchuFour years have passed since then
Oru poomaalai soodi kollaamaWithout wearing a wedding garland around my neck
Udambe noolaachchuMy body has become as thin as a thread
Aahaan aahaan oho ohoAahaan aahaan oho oho
Heehi heehi mmmmmHeehi heehi mmmmm
Female
Naan paavaadai thaavani pottuI started wearing a traditional skirt and half-saree
Varusham naalaachchuFour years have passed since then
Oru poomaalai soodi kollaamaWithout wearing a wedding garland around my neck
Udambe noolaachchuMy body has become as thin as a thread
Female
Panguni pochchu chiththiraiyaachchuThe month of Panguni passed, and Chithirai arrived
Panguni pochchu chiththiraiyaachchuThe month of Panguni passed, and Chithirai arrived
Kalyaana aasai vanthu naalaachchuIt has been many days since the desire for marriage arose
Kalyaana aasai vanthu naalaachchuIt has been many days since the desire for marriage arose
Female
Naan paavaadai thaavani pottuI started wearing a traditional skirt and half-saree
Varusham naalaachchuFour years have passed since then
Oru poomaalai soodi kollaamaWithout wearing a wedding garland around my neck
Udambe noolaachchuMy body has become as thin as a thread
Female
Paadattumaa oru themmaangShall I sing a catchy folk song?
Aadattumaa oru thillaanaaShall I dance a classical thillana?
Haa paadattumaa oru themmaangHaa, shall I sing a catchy folk song?
Aadattumaa oru thillaanaaShall I dance a classical thillana?
Female
Viththai irukku ennoduI possess great talent and artistic skills within me
Vendiyathenna nee keluAsk me whatever art form you desire
Viththai irukku ennoduI possess great talent and artistic skills within me
Vendiyathenna nee keluAsk me whatever art form you desire
Female
Therkkaththi seemaiyilellaamAcross the entire southern territory
Pereduththa aattakkaariI am a dancer of great renown and fame
Yaaraaro vanthu konja paarththaangaMany different men came and tried to pamper me
Yaedhetho solli kenji kettaangaThey pleaded and begged by saying all kinds of things
Female
Naan paavaadai thaavani pottuI started wearing a traditional skirt and half-saree
Varusham naalaachchuFour years have passed since then
Oru poomaalai soodi kollaamaWithout wearing a wedding garland around my neck
Udambe noolaachchuMy body has become as thin as a thread
Female
Aththai magal ena ennaathaeDo not assume I am your cousin or sweetheart
Aasaiyil jaadai pannaathaeDo not make romantic gestures at me with desire
Haan ththai magal ena ennaathaeHaan, do not assume I am your cousin or sweetheart
Aasaiyil jaadai pannaathaeDo not make romantic gestures at me with desire
Female
Ennidam vaalai aattaathaeDo not try your clever tricks with me
Pallai ilichchi kaattaathaeDo not grin and show your teeth to me
Female
Kasthooro maaai polaeLike a precious musk deer
Maanamulla chinna ponnuI am a young girl with immense dignity and honor
Koodaathu antha kalla sirippuThat sly, deceitful smile is strictly forbidden
Aagaathu yaarum thottaal neruppuIt will not work out; if anyone dares touch me, I am fire
Female
Naan paavaadai thaavani pottuI started wearing a traditional skirt and half-saree
Varusham naalaachchuFour years have passed since then
Oru poomaalai soodi kollaamaWithout wearing a wedding garland around my neck
Udambe noolaachchuMy body has become as thin as a thread

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song expresses the inner desires, artistic pride, and unyielding self-dignity of a young woman coming of age. She reflects on passing into womanhood—symbolized by wearing a pavadai thaavani (half-saree)—four years prior, yearning for marriage while jokingly describing how her body has grown thin waiting for love. Despite her yearning, she takes pride in her celebrated talents as a renowned dancer across the southern region.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi Ani)

Udambe noolaachchu

Exaggeration used to emphasize extreme yearning and physical slenderness resulting from waiting to get married.

Simile (Uvamai Ani)

Kasthoori maan polae

Comparing the heroine's rare, honorable, and untamed nature to that of a musk deer.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Aagaathu yaarum thottaal neruppu

Directly metaphorizing herself to fire to warn off suitors from disrespecting her boundaries.

Emonaar / Second-Letter Rhyme (Etuukai)

Naan paavaadai thaavani pottu / Varusham naalaachchu

Matching of the second consonant in consecutive lines (paavaadai / varusham / oru / udambe).

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by legendary music maestro M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics penned by Vaali, the song features a versatile vocal performance by Vani Jairam. The track vividly captures rural Tamil folklore elements, referencing cultural milestones like coming-of-age attire (pavadai thaavani), folk rhythms (themmaangu), classical dance (thillana), and Tamil calendar months (Panguni and Chithirai).

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