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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nadapathu Arubathettu

From Kadhal Vaaganam · 1968

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Kadhal Vaaganam1968

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ohho…nadappadhu arubaththettuOh, the running year is '68 (1968)
Idhu arubhaththettuThis is '68
Innum edharkkindha irubhaththettuWhy still have this '28 car?
Nadappadhu arubaththettuThe running year is '68
Idhu arubhaththettuThis is '68
Innum edharkkindha irubhaththettuWhy still have this '28 car?
Female
Vadivil uyarndhadhuSuperior in shape
Vanappu migundhadhuAbundant in beauty
Engal arubhaththettuOur '68 model car
Chorus :Oh…ho…ho…hoChorus: Oh…ho…ho…ho
Female :Vazhiyil varubhavaraiFemale: Calling those walking on the road
Thalla azhaippadhuTo come and push it
Ungal irubhaththettu…Your '28 model car…
Chorus :Lalallaa…Chorus: Lalallaa…
Female
Pallam medugalai kandaalFemale: When it sees dips and bumps
Idhu padukkai pottuvidum nandraaiIt lies down nicely like a bed
Pada padakkum thadathadakkumRattling, clattering
Kadakadakkum idhu edharkku…Shaking endlessly, why do you need this…
Chorus :Lallalallallaa lalalallallaaChorus: Lallalallallaa lalalallallaa
Lallalallallaa lallalallallaaLallalallallaa lallalallallaa
Female
Nadappadhu arubaththettuThe running year is '68
Idhu arubhaththettuThis is '68
Innum edharkkindha irubhaththettuWhy still have this '28 car?
Female
Kappal pondradhu kannai parippadhuLike a ship, catching everyone's eye
Chorus :Enghal arubhaththettu…du…du…duChorus: Our '68…du…du…du
Female :Sippi pondradhu sirikka vaippadhuFemale: Like a small shell, making everyone laugh
Chorus :Unghal irubhaththettu…du…du…duChorus: Your '28…du…du…du
Female
Thaththi thaththiyae thaavumHopping and hopping it leaps
Chinna thavalai pola idhu paayumLike a small frog it pounces
Adangappaa idhu dappaaOh my, if someone calls this a tin can
Endru sonnaal adhu thappaaIs it wrong to say so?
Chorus :Lala lalalaaFemale :Ah ha haa haa..Chorus: Lala lalalaa Female: Ah ha haa haa..
Chorus :Lala lalalaaFemale :Ah ha haa haa..Chorus: Lala lalalaa Female: Ah ha haa haa..
Chorus :Lala lalalaaFemale :Ah ha haa haa..Chorus: Lala lalalaa Female: Ah ha haa haa..
Chorus :LalalaaFemale :LalalaaChorus: Lalalaa Female: Lalalaa
Female
Ilamaiyin ezhuchiThe uprising of youth
Pudhumaiyin puratchiThe revolution of novelty
Chorus :Enghal arubhaththettuChorus: Our '68
Female :Pazhamai virumbighalumFemale: Proof that lovers of ancient things
Iruppadhan saatchiStill exist
Chorus :Unghal irubhaththettuChorus: Your '28
Female :Pazhaiya irumbhu virkkum kadaiyilFemale: In a shop selling old scrap iron
Vilaiyaagi pogum oru nodiyilIt will be sold off in a single second
Idhai ottum dhuraiyai paaruLook at the gentleman driving this
Romba joru ivar yaaruVery stylish, who is he?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a playful banter and musical duel centered around a comparison between a sleek, modern 1968 car ('Arubaththettu') and an ancient 1928 vintage car ('Irubhaththettu'). The male singers boast about their stylish 1968 model, highlighting its smooth design, elegance, and modern appeal while teasing the female lead about her old, unreliable vehicle that constantly breaks down and rattles on bumpy roads. The female singer humorously retorts by poking fun at the modern car's pretentiousness and defending the vintage vehicle as a symbol of nostalgic charm, while playfully pointing out that her car jumps like a frog and belongs in a scrap metal shop despite its stylish driver. The song serves as a lighthearted comedic exchange representing the clash between modern youthfulness and antique charm.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Onomatopoeia (Irattai Kilavi)

Pada padakkum thadathadakkum Kadakadakkum idhu edharkku…

The lyricist uses rhythmic, sound-imitative words 'Pada padakkum', 'thadathadakkum', and 'kadakadakkum' to mimic the rattling and clattering noises made by the old vehicle.

Simile (Uvamai Ani)

Chinna thavalai pola idhu paayum

The bouncing movement of the old vintage car is explicitly compared to the jumping motion of a small frog using the comparative word 'pola'.

Rhyme and Assonance (Ethirai / Monai)

Ilamaiyin ezhuchi Pudhumaiyin puratchi

The lines employ matching initial consonant sounds and internal rhyme ('ezhuchi' and 'puratchi') to create a rhythmic, catchy musical cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Kadhal Vaaganam' (1968) stars M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa. The song cleverly integrates the actual year of the film's release (1968 / 'Arubaththettu') into the lyrics to contrast modern 1968 automotive technology with a 1928 ('Irubhaththettu') vintage automobile.

Keep listening

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