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Isaimozhi
Alli album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Nalungu Paadava

From Alli · 1964

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Movie name
Alli
Movie release year
1964
Lyrics added on
10 Apr 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Nalangu paadava paadava paadava
Pon vilangu sooda pogum
Naerthilae aadavaa
Nalangu paadava paadava aa vaa vaa
Nalangu paadava paadava aa vaa vaa
{Maaligaiyin vaasalaiyae
Thiranthu vaippaanga
Poo maalai pottu varaverkka
Kaathiruppaanga} (2)
Vanakkam solvanga
Virunthu veippaanga
Vanakkam solvanga
Virunthu veippaanga
Vaaram maadham varusham
Paarthu vaazhthiduvanga
Nalangu paadava paadava paadava
Pon vilangu sooda pogum
Naerthilae aadavaa
Nalangu paadava paadava aa vaa vaa
Paasamendra kootukullae
Pootti veippanga
Unnai padam eduthu
Per ezhuthi maatti veippanga} (2)
Kaaval nippaanga
Kadamai seivanga
Kaaval nippaanga
Kadamai seivanga
Kaalai maalai naeram
Paarthu kaathiruppanga
Nalangu paadava paadava paadava
Pon vilangu sooda pogum
Naerthilae aadavaa
Nalangu paadava paadava aa vaa vaa
Seer sumandhu maamam
Engae varugiraan
Selvamagal unadhu kaiyai thodugiraan
Uttra vaelai nerungudhu
Gettimaelam muzhangudhu
Unadhu vaazhvil pudhiya paadam thodanguthu
Shall I sing a Nalangu (wedding ritual) song, shall I sing, shall I sing?
As you are about to wear the golden shackles,
shall I dance at this hour?
Shall I sing a Nalangu song, shall I sing, ah... come, come!
Shall I sing a Nalangu song, shall I sing, ah... come, come!
The gates of the mansion,
they will throw wide open,
to welcome you with flower garlands,
they will eagerly wait.
They will greet you with folded hands,
they will host a grand feast,
They will greet you with folded hands,
they will host a grand feast,
Watching the weeks, months, and years go by,
they will shower you with blessings!
Shall I sing a Nalangu (wedding ritual) song, shall I sing, shall I sing?
As you are about to wear the golden shackles,
shall I dance at this hour?
Shall I sing a Nalangu song, shall I sing, ah... come, come!
Inside the cage of affection,
they will lock you up,
taking your photograph,
they will write your name and hang it on the wall!
They will stand guard over you,
they will carry out their duty,
They will stand guard over you,
they will carry out their duty,
Morning and evening,
they will watch over you and wait.
Shall I sing a Nalangu (wedding ritual) song, shall I sing, shall I sing?
As you are about to wear the golden shackles,
shall I dance at this hour?
Shall I sing a Nalangu song, shall I sing, ah... come, come!
Carrying traditional gifts, your groom,
look, here he comes!
He touches your hand, my precious girl,
The auspicious hour draws near,
the wedding drums resound loudly,
and a new chapter begins in your life...
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This classic song revolves around the traditional Tamil wedding ritual known as 'Nalangu', celebrated with joy, music, and playful teasing among women. The lyrics beautifully capture the mix of grand welcome, affection, and systemic pampering that awaits the bride in her marital home. It portrays marriage playfully as a golden shackle and a sweet cage of love, emphasizing how her new family will cherish, respect, and safeguard her every day.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvam (Metaphor)

Pon vilangu sooda pogum

Describing marriage bangles and ties as 'Pon vilangu' (golden shackles) playfully metaphorizes marital commitment as a precious bondage.

Uruvam (Metaphor)

Paasamendra kootukullae

'Paasamendra kootukullae' metaphorizes family love and care as a protective cage.

Ezhudhu Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Vaaram maadham varusham

Repetition of initial consonants/vowels in 'Vaaram maadham varusham' creates a rhythmic cadence.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Unadhu vaazhvil pudhiya paadam thodanguthu

Rhyming endings in 'nerungudhu', 'muzhangudhu', and 'thodanguthu' build musical climax towards the song's ending.

Did you know?

Trivia

The 'Nalangu' song tradition in Tamil cinema often showcases rich cultural bridal customs, highlighting the role of the maternal uncle ('Thaai Maaman') who brings 'Seer' (auspicious ceremonial gifts) during crucial wedding rituals.

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