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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Odivathu Pol Idai

From Idhayathil Nee · 1963

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
P. B. Sreenivas, P. Susheela
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Idhayathil Nee1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Odivadhu pol idai irukkumThe waist is so slender it looks as if it might break
Female :Irukkattumae hoiFemale: Let it be so, hoi!
Male
Adhu oiyaara nadai nadakkumIt walks with a graceful, stylish stride
Female :Nadakkattumae hoiFemale: Let it walk, hoi!
Male
Aahaa odivadhu pol idai irukkumAahaa, the waist is so slender it looks as if it might break
Female :Irukkattumae hoiFemale: Let it be so, hoi!
Male :Adhu oiyaara nadai nadakkumMale: It walks with a graceful, stylish stride
Female :NadakkattumaeFemale: Let it walk!
Male
Suduvadhu pol kan sivakkumThe eyes flush red as if to burn
Female :SivakkattumaeFemale: Let them flush red!
Male :Kan suttu vittaal kavi pirakkumMale: If those eyes scorch, poetry will be born
Female :PirakkattumaeFemale: Let it be born!
Male :Kan suttu vittaal kavi pirakkumMale: If those eyes scorch, poetry will be born
Female :PirakkattumaeFemale: Let it be born!
Male
Aahaa odivadhu pol idai irukkumAahaa, the waist is so slender it looks as if it might break
Female :IrukkattumaeFemale: Let it be so!
Male :Adhu oiyaara nadai nadakkumMale: It walks with a graceful, stylish stride
Female :NadakkattumaeFemale: Let it walk!
Female
Thoduvadhu pol kai thudikkumHands quiver eager to reach out and touch
Male :ThudikkaattumaeMale: Let them quiver!
Female :Ilam thogai nenjil idam pidikkumFemale: The young peahen will capture a spot in your heart
Male :PidikkattumaeMale: Let her capture it!
Female :Ilam thogai nenjil idam pidikkumFemale: The young peahen will capture a spot in your heart
Male :PidikkattumaeMale: Let her capture it!
Male
Kodi malar pol idhazh viriyumLips blossom like a tender creeper flower
Female :ViriyattumaeFemale: Let them blossom!
Male :Adhu kulir nilavaai nagai puriyumMale: It smiles radiant like the cool moon
Female :PuriyattumaeFemale: Let it smile!
Male :Adhu kulir nilavaai nagai puriyumMale: It smiles radiant like the cool moon
Female :PuriyattumaeFemale: Let it smile!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful and romantic duet from the film 'Idhayathil Nee' features a teasing dialogue between two lovers. The hero poetically describes the heroine's physical grace—her slender waist, stylish walk, fiery gaze, and blooming smile—while the heroine cheekily accepts each compliment with nonchalant encouragement ('let it be so'). As the song progresses, the lovers exchange roles in praising each other's touch and presence, capturing the playful flirtation and charm characteristic of classic 1960s Tamil cinema romance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamai Ani (Simile)

Odivadhu pol idai irukkum

Compares the extreme slenderness of the heroine's waist to a thin branch about to break.

Simile

Kodi malar pol idhazh viriyum

Compares the opening of the heroine's lips in a smile to a flower blooming on a creeper vine.

Iyaipu (Refrain / End Rhyme)

Irukkattumae / Nadakkattumae / Pirakkattumae

The repeating ending suffix '-attumae' ('let it be') across lines creates a rhythmic, musical refrain typical of conversational duets.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Idhayathil Nee' (1963) stars Gemini Ganesan and Devika. The film's musical score was composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, with lyrics penned by Vaali, making it a classic hit of the era.

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