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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

One Two Three

From Kaaval Nilayam · 1991

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
Mano, K. S. Chitra
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Kaaval Nilayam1991

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
………………..
Female
One two three we are freeOne, two, three, we are free
Thallaadum apple treeA swaying apple tree
Pengal ellaam avathaarangal aahWomen are all divine incarnations, ah
Mannil minnum alangaarangal aahGlittering ornaments on this earth, ah
Munnum pinnum parivaarangal haahWith retinues surrounding them front and back, hah
Engum engal adhigaarangalEverywhere, the authority belongs to us
Chorus
………………
Male
One two three we are freeOne, two, three, we are free
Thallaadum apple treeA swaying apple tree
Pengal ellaam avathaarangal aahWomen are all divine incarnations, ah
Mannil minnum alangaarangal aahGlittering ornaments on this earth, ah
Munnum pinnum parivaarangal aahWith retinues surrounding them front and back, ah
Engum engal adhigaarangalEverywhere, the authority belongs to us
Chorus
………………
Male
Pattu poochchigal ellam padu soottulaAll the silk butterflies are in high spirits in the heat
Chorus :Lala laala laaChorus: Lala laala laa
Male :Vattam poduthu ingae nadu roadlaMale: They are circling around right here in the middle of the road
Chorus :Lala laala laaChorus: Lala laala laa
Male :Kaavalillaama kummaalam kondaattamMale: Unchecked revelry and celebration without any guards
Female
Azhagiya maampookkal chinna mainaakkalBeautiful mango blossoms, little myna birds
Azhagiya maampookkal chinna mainaakkalBeautiful mango blossoms, little myna birds
Aanantha bothaiyil aadidum maangalDeer dancing in blissful intoxication
Male
One two three we are freeOne, two, three, we are free
Thallaadum apple treeA swaying apple tree
Female :Pengal ellaam avathaarangal aahFemale: Women are all divine incarnations, ah
Mannil minnum alangaarangal aahGlittering ornaments on this earth, ah
Male :Munnum pinnum parivaarangal aahMale: With retinues surrounding them front and back, ah
Engum engal adhigaarangal….Everywhere, the authority belongs to us...
Chorus
………………
Female
Thatti ketpathu yaaru namma rajjiyamWho is there to question us? This is our kingdom
Chorus :Lala laala laaChorus: Lala laala laa
Female :Achcham naanangal ellaam verum poojiyamFemale: Fear and shyness are reduced to absolute zero
Chorus :Lala laala laaChorus: Lala laala laa
Female :Vaazhvil vanthaachchu ullaasa nerangalFemale: Joyous times have arrived in life
Male
Ilamai kaalangal vanna kolangalYouthful days are like colorful rangoli patterns
Ilamai kaalangal vanna kolangalYouthful days are like colorful rangoli patterns
Vaalipa kaigalil naalaiya naatgalTomorrow's days lie in the hands of the youth
Female
One two three we are freeOne, two, three, we are free
Thallaadum apple treeA swaying apple tree
Male :Pengal ellaam avathaarangalMale: Women are all divine incarnations
Female :AahFemale: Ah
Male :Mannil minnum alangaarangalMale: Glittering ornaments on this earth
Female :Aah munnum pinnum parivaarangalFemale: Ah, with retinues surrounding them front and back
Male :AahMale: Ah
Female :Engum engal adhigaarangalFemale: Everywhere, the authority belongs to us
Male :AahMale: Ah
Chorus
………………
Female
………………
Male :……………….

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'One Two Three We Are Free' from the 1991 Tamil movie 'Kaaval Nilayam' is a high-energy youth anthem celebrating freedom, modern womanhood, and carefree joy. The lyrics praise women as magnificent divine incarnations and ornaments of the world who hold dominance and elegance wherever they go. The track captures a playful battle of sexes filled with exuberant dancing, freedom from societal restrictions, and an unconditional embrace of life. Written by legendary lyricist Vaali, the song uses vivid imagery of nature—butterflies, mango blossoms, mynas, and dancing deer—to symbolize youth celebrating in the streets without worry. It conveys a strong message of empowerment where traditional fear and modesty are set aside to make way for youthful optimism and taking charge of the future.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Pengal ellaam avathaarangal aah / Mannil minnum alangaarangal aah / Munnum pinnum parivaarangal haah / Engum engal adhigaarangal

The line endings rhyme consistently with 'avathaarangal', 'alangaarangal', 'parivaarangal', and 'adhigaarangal', creating a rhythmic flow.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Ilamai kaalangal vanna kolangal

Youthful days are directly equated to vibrant, colorful rangoli (kolam) patterns, symbolizing joy, diversity, and creativity.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Azhagiya maampookkal chinna mainaakkal

Young women are metaphorically described as beautiful mango blossoms and lively little myna birds.

Monai (Initial Rhyme/Alliteration)

Mannil minnum alangaarangal aah

The repetition of the 'Ma' sound in 'Mannil' and 'minnum' creates pleasant initial auditory harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song features lyrics by the legendary Vaali for the 1991 action film 'Kaaval Nilayam', directed by Raja and starring Sarathkumar and Anand Raj. Vaali cleverly blended simple English nursery-style rhymes ('One two three we are free, Thallaadum apple tree') with energetic Tamil colloquialism, making it a popular dance track of the early 90s.

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