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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Onnum Onnum Rendu

From Ellam Inbamayyam · 1981

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singers
Janaki, Ilayaraja, Chorus
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Ellam Inbamayyam1981

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
……………………….Hey, one and one make two, right?
Male
Hae onnum onnum rendu thaanaeYou are the little bird I caught, right, my dear?
Nee naan pudicha sittu thaanae yaaOne and one make two, right?
Chorus
Onnum onnum rendu thaanaeYou are the little bird I caught, right?
Nee naan pudicha sittu thaanaeBring the toddy pot, girl!
Male
Mondhaiya nee kondu vaadiScoop out a little toddy from it and give me!
Adhula kalla konjam mondu thaadiBring the toddy pot, girl!
Chorus
Mondhaiya nee kondu vaadiScoop out a little toddy from it and give me, come on girl...
Adhula kalla konjam mondu thaadi adi vaadi…One and one make two, right?
Male
Onnum onnum rendu thaanaeYou are the little bird I caught, right, ha!
Nee naan pudicha sittu thaanae haaEven if a spell is cast,
Female
Mandhiram thaan pottaalumAahaa
Male
AahaaWhatever magic is performed,
Female
Adhil maayam enna seidhaalumOhoo
Male
OhooDid you cast a spell?
Chorus
Mandhiram thaan pottaayoWhat magic did you perform?
Adhil maayam enna seidhaayoJust by looking,
Female
PaarthaalaeHey
Chorus
HaeI am swooning, my sir!
Female
MayangudhaiyaaYeah
Chorus
YaaLike snow,
Female
PaniyaagaHey
Chorus
HaeI am melting!
Female
UrugudhaiyaaHey girl...
Chorus
Adi ennadi…Without fulfilling my desire, leaving you,
Aasa theeraama onna vittuI won't leave, stop right there, girl!
Poga maatten nilladiCome close and I will tell you,
Vaadi pakkatthil solliduvenAbout that bliss, ha!
Andha sugamae haaHo thaananathana thananaa naa
Male
Ho thaananathana thananaa naaThanat thaadhat thananaa naa
Thanat thaadhat thananaa naaFood at a choultry,
Male
Sathirathil saapaaduServe a little of that to me!
Adha podu konjam nee enakkuHey
Female
HaeFood at a choultry,
Chorus
Sathirathil saapaaduServe a little of that to me!
Adha podu konjam nee enakkuLike a fresh plantain leaf,
Thalavaazha yela polaOh dancing gentle deer,
Sadhiraadum pudhu maanaeOh my man...
Female
Ada ennaiyaa…I have expressed all my desires to you,
Thaeva fullaavum onnidathil solli puttenI will yearn by your side,
Vaevaen naan un pakkathilGive me that pleasure!
Thandhu pudu andha sogamaeOne and one make two, right?
Male
Onnum onnum rendu thaanaeYou are the little bird I caught, right, my dear?
Nee naan pudicha sittu thaanae yaaOne and one make two, right?
Chorus
Onnum onnum rendu thaanaeYou are the little bird I caught, right?
Nee naan pudicha sittu thaanaeBring the toddy pot, girl!
Male
Mondhaiya nee kondu vaadiScoop out a little toddy from it and give me!
Adhula kalla konjam mondu thaadiBring the toddy pot, girl!
Chorus
Mondhaiya nee kondu vaadiScoop out a little toddy from it and give me, come on girl...
Adhula kallak konjam mondu thaadi adi vaadi…One and one make two, right?
Chorus
Onnum onnum rendu thaanaeYou are the little bird I caught, right?
Nee naan pudicha sittu thaanae

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful duet features a lighthearted banter between two lovers sharing a moment of intimacy and intoxication. The male protagonist compares their union to simple arithmetic ('one and one make two') and teasingly asks his partner to serve him toddy while admiring her charm.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai)

Paniyaaga urugudhaiyaa

Comparing the physical state of melting in love to melting snow ('Paniyaaga urugudhaiyaa').

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Nee naan pudicha sittu thaanae

Comparing the lover to a captured bird ('pudicha sittu') to signify intimacy and affection.

Repetition / Anaphora

Onnum onnum rendu thaanae

Repetition of simple arithmetic 'Onnum onnum' for rhythmic emphasis and catchiness.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song featured in the 1981 comedy film 'Ellam Inbamayyam', starring Kamal Haasan and Madhavi, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics penned by Panchu Arunachalam.

Keep listening

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