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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nandhavanathil

From Annai Or Aalayam · 1979

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Annai Or Aalayam1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Nandhavanathil vantha kuyilaeO cuckoo that came to the flower garden
Endhan manathil nindra mayilaeO peacock that stands in my mind
Naan irukkayil nadukkamennaWhy tremble when I am here?
Kollai azhagu ingu kottikidakkaAbundant beauty lies scattered here
Kollai azhagu ingu kottikidakkaAbundant beauty lies scattered here
Male
{Vaadi paingili anubavi{Come my green parrot, enjoy
Yendi sivanthathu poovizhi} (2)Why have your flower-like eyes turned red?} (2)
Male
Nandhavanathil vantha kuyilaeO cuckoo that came to the flower garden
Endhan manathil nindra mayilaeO peacock that stands in my mind
Naan irukkayil nadukkamennaWhy tremble when I am here?
Male
Kaadhalikkum undhan kannanYour loving Krishna
Kanni vaikkum kalaiyil mannanIs a master in the art of setting traps
Vaalibathil thullum ullamA youthful heart bouncing with energy
Vettaiyida sellum vellumGoes to hunt and wins
Male
Aasaiyirundhaal achcham vidu neeIf you have desire, cast away your fear
Thodai nadungum poongodiyaeO flowering vine whose thighs tremble
Puyalodu kulavida malarukkuDoes a delicate flower lack the courage
Thunivillaiyoo…To mingle with the mighty storm?
Male
Nandhavanathil oh vantha kuyilaeO cuckoo that came to the flower garden, oh
Endhan manathil haa nindra mayilaeO peacock that stands in my mind, haa
Naan irukkayil nadukkamennaWhy tremble when I am here?
Kollai azhagu ingu kottikidakkaAbundant beauty lies scattered here
Vaadi paingili anubaviCome my green parrot, enjoy
Yendi sivanthathu poovizhiWhy have your flower-like eyes turned red?
Male
Nathaswaram oodhum singamA lion playing the Nadaswaram
Thaalamidum yaanai koottamA herd of elephants keeping the rhythm
Varaverkkum puligal nindruTigers standing by to welcome us
Manamaagum thirunaal andruThat auspicious day will be our wedding day
Male
Kaadhal nilavum kattil uravumLove will prevail along with marital bliss
Marangalin mel parangalilaeHigh atop the treehouse platforms
Enakkena piranthavalO girl who was born just for me
Unakkidhu saripadumaaIs this fear fitting for you?
Male
Nandhavanathil vantha kuyilaeO cuckoo that came to the flower garden
Endhan manathil nindra mayilaeO peacock that stands in my mind
Naan irukkayil nadukkamennaWhy tremble when I am here?
Kollai azhagu ingu kottikidakkaAbundant beauty lies scattered here
Kollai azhagu ingu kottikidakkaAbundant beauty lies scattered here
Male
{Vaadi paingili anubavi{Come my green parrot, enjoy
Yendi sivanthathu poovizhi} (2)Why have your flower-like eyes turned red?} (2)
Male
Pap pa pappaba papapaaPap pa pappaba papapaa (Rhythmic vocalization)
Pap pa pappaba papapaaPap pa pappaba papapaa (Rhythmic vocalization)
Pap pa pappaba pabapaba paapaaPap pa pappaba pabapaba paapaa (Rhythmic vocalization)
Pap pa pappaba pa pa pa paaPap pa pappaba pa pa pa paa (Rhythmic vocalization)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful and romantic song features the hero reassuring his beloved in a jungle setting. Metaphorically equating her to gentle forest creatures like a cuckoo, peacock, and parrot, he encourages her to drop her timidness and embrace love. He playfully portrays himself as a master hunter capable of protecting her through any storm. In the second verse, he paints a whimsical fantasy of a jungle wedding where wild animals act as wedding musicians and hosts—a lion playing the Nadaswaram, elephants providing the beat, and tigers welcoming the guests. The song blends romantic teasing, vivid nature imagery, and adventurous spirit.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhukai (Second letter rhyme)

Nandhavanathil / Endhan manathil

The second consonant sound 'ndh' rhymes in consecutive opening lines.

Metaphor (Urvagam)

Nandhavanathil vantha kuyilae / Endhan manathil nindra mayilae

The heroine is affectionately addressed using metaphors of forest flora and fauna like cuckoo (kuyil), peacock (mayil), parrot (paingili), and flower vine (poongodi).

Personification & Surreal Imagery

Nathaswaram oodhum singam / Thaalamidum yaanai koottam

Wild animals are personified as traditional South Indian wedding musicians and attendants.

Monai (Initial letter rhyming/alliteration)

Vaalibathil thullum ullam / Vettaiyida sellum vellum

The initial 'v' sound is repeated for rhythmic emphasis across lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

This track is from the 1979 hit movie 'Annai Or Aalayam' starring Rajinikanth and Sripriya, directed by R. Thyagarajan. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with vocals by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. The film featured a prominent storyline involving a mother elephant and her calf, making the animal-themed imagery in the lyrics directly suited to the movie's forest environment.

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