- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Anthasthu
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Jan 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This playful duet celebrates a young woman's milestone of turning seventeen, transitioning away from her 'sweet sixteen' years. The lyrics capture the lighthearted teasing between two lovers, where the male lead and chorus keep calling her sixteen, and she playfully corrects them that she has reached seventeen. Through vibrant metaphors, the lovers express their romantic affection, attraction, and devotion to one another. The song blends youthful exuberance with romantic anticipation, portraying a blossoming relationship filled with charm, possessiveness, and passion.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uruvam (Metaphor)
“Paarvai enbathu paalaaru / Paavai nee oru thaenaaru”
Compares the beloved's glance to a river of milk (paalaaru) and her person to a river of honey (thaenaaru) to emphasize sweetness and richness.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Paalaaru / Thaenaaru / Padhinaaru / Pathinaezhu”
Rhyming words at the end of lines creating a rhythmic, melodic flow typical in Tamil film songs.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Poongattru / Pudhupaattu / Paaraattu / Neeroottru / Vilaiyaattu / Thalaiyaattu”
Consonant end-rhyme scheme using '-ttu' ending sounds across consecutive lines in the stanza.
Metaphor
“Poovudal engum pullarikka”
Describing her body as 'poovudal' (flower-like body), symbolizing softness and delicacy.
Did you know?
Trivia
The lyrics were penned by the veteran poet Vaali, renowned for seamlessly weaving English phrases like 'Sweet sweet sixteen' into traditional Tamil lyrical frameworks. The song captures the iconic 1980s Tamil cinema style of youthful birthday-themed romantic duets.
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