Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nadaya Mathu

From Kanni Paruvathile · 1979

Lyricist
Nethaji
Singers
S. Janaki, Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Kanni Paruvathile1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Nadaiya maathuChange your walk
Un nadaiya maathuChange your walk
Aththaan enna paathu aaduriyae koothuCousin, looking at me, you are putting on quite a show
Aththaan enna paathu aaduriyae koothuCousin, looking at me, you are putting on quite a show
Asaiyudhu unna pola naathuThe young crop sways just like you
Asaiyudhu unna pola naathuThe young crop sways just like you
Female
Nadaiya maathuChange your walk
Nee nadaiya maathuYou, change your walk
Aththaan nee enna paathu aaduriyae koothuCousin, looking at me, you are putting on quite a show
Aththaan nee enna paathu aaduriyae koothuCousin, looking at me, you are putting on quite a show
Asaiyudhu unna pola kaathuThe wind sways just like you
Asaiyudhu unna pola kaathuThe wind sways just like you
Male
Pollaachi roattu melaOn the Pollachi road
Pozhudhu saayum nerathilaeAt the time when twilight falls
Pullaakkum pon thodumaaWould gold even touch a nose ring?
Pora pulla neeYou girl, who is walking along
Poga thuna venuma podu dhinaakkuDo you need a companion to go? Hit the rhythm!
Female
Pollaadha ponnuA feisty girl
En Pollaappa vaanga varumComes to take on my trouble
Killaadi evanum illa en machaan neeThere is no clever man like you, my dear cousin
Illaatti paravaala podu dhinaakkuEven if not, no problem, hit the rhythm!
Male
Dhinaakku dhinaakku dhinaakkuDhinaakku dhinaakku dhinaakku
Podu dhinaakku dhinaakku dhinaakku…Hit it, dhinaakku dhinaakku dhinaakku…
Female
Yei nadaiya maathuHey, change your walk
Nee nadaiya maathuYou, change your walk
Aththaan nee enna paathu aaduriyae koothuCousin, looking at me, you are putting on quite a show
Aththaan nee enna paathu aaduriyae koothuCousin, looking at me, you are putting on quite a show
Asaiyudhu unna pola kaathuThe wind sways just like you
Asaiyudhu unna pola kaathuThe wind sways just like you
Male
Paatha nee salaikalaiyaeSeeing you, one does not tire
Nee pathinaaru vayadhinilaeYou are at the age of sixteen
Vaara mayilattama ponnu kizhakkaeThe girl comes from the east like a peacock dance
Pora rayilattamaa podu dhinaakkuGoing like a moving train, hit the rhythm!
Female
Paatha kannu poothu pogumEyes blossom upon looking at you
Bannari amman polaLike Goddess Bannari Amman
Ninnaa kavalaiyilla en raajkannuIf you stand by, there is no worry, my precious darling
Kannai paruvathilae podu dhinaakkuIn the youthful age, hit the rhythm!
Dhinaakku dhinaakku dhinaakku…Dhinaakku dhinaakku dhinaakku…
Male :haei..haei..Male: Hey.. hey..
Female :Dhinaakku dhinaakku dhinaakku…Female: Dhinaakku dhinaakku dhinaakku…
Male
Nadaiya maathu un nadaiya maathuChange your walk, change your walk
Aththaan enna paathu aaduriyae koothuCousin, looking at me, you are putting on quite a show
Aththaan enna paathu aaduriyae koothuCousin, looking at me, you are putting on quite a show
Asaiyudhu unna pola naathuThe young crop sways just like you
Asaiyudhu unna pola naathuThe young crop sways just like you

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Nadaiya Maathu from the film Kanni Paruvathile (1979) is a playful rural duet between two lovers engaging in romantic banter. Set against the backdrop of Pollachi's countryside at dusk, the song captures the affectionate teasing between the couple as they compliment each other's charm, walk, and youthful vigor.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai)

Asaiyudhu unna pola naathu

Compares the swaying posture of the lover to young crop saplings.

Simile (Uvamai)

Asaiyudhu unna pola kaathu

Compares the movement and grace of the woman to a gentle breeze.

Simile (Uvamai)

Vaara mayilattama ponnu kizhakkae

Compares the girl's entrance to the traditional folk peacock dance.

Alliteration (Monai)

Pollaachi roattu mela / Pozhudhu saayum nerathilae

Repetition of initial consonant sounds ('P') across words in the line.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kanni Paruvathile (1979) was a breakout village-themed drama starring K. Bhagyaraj, Rajesh, and Vadivukkarasi. Composed by the duo Shankar-Ganesh with lyrics by Nethaji, this folk song performed by S. Janaki and Malaysia Vasudevan became an iconic rural track celebrated for its upbeat 'dhinaakku' rhythm.

Keep listening

More from Kanni Paruvathile