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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oo Siruchaalaiyil Or Kuyilamma

From Thiruttu Raman · 1955

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singers
Ghantasala, Jikki
Music director
Pendyala Nageswara Rao
Details
Thiruttu Raman1955

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Male
Hoo ooo ooHoo ooo oo
Siru salaiyil or kuyilammaOh lady, a cuckoo in the small street
Nindru paduvadhai kelammaListen to it standing and singing, my dear
Female
Hoo ooo ooHoo ooo oo
Maru malligai or malaraiyaaIs it a fresh jasmine flower?
Pookum podhu adhu veenaiyaaWhen it blooms, is it like music from a veena?
Male
Pongidum punnagai thaen sindhidaveAs the overflowing smile spills sweetness like honey
Poothidum malligai manam polaeJust like the fragrance of blooming jasmine
Un sirithen idhazhinai yedhammaWhat can compare to your sweet smiling lips, my dear?
Female :Hoo ooo ooFemale: Hoo ooo oo
Male
Hoo ooo ooHoo ooo oo
Siru salaiyil or kuyilammaA cuckoo in the small street
Female
Kavingan neeyo kavi paadaAre you a poet to compose poetry?
Katrae thandha yaar edhoWho is this brought along by the gentle breeze?
Kalandhae palagiya vagai thaanaIs this how we bonded and grew familiar?
Male
Haaaa..aaa..aaa…Haaaa..aaa..aaa…
Female
Hoo ooo ooHoo ooo oo
Maru malligai or malaraiyaaIs it a fresh jasmine flower?
Male
Vizhiyaal komala mohiyae kooridumExpressed through the eyes, oh delicate enchantress
Kaniyae manadhinil unnai ninaidhidumOh sweet fruit, as my heart thinks of you
Kavitha mozhi pala varuthae thaaMany poetic words come pouring forth, give them to me
Female
Hoo ooo ooHoo ooo oo
Male
Hoo ooo ooHoo ooo oo
Siru salaiyil or kuyilammaA cuckoo in the small street
Female
Uyir urugaiyilae inbame yedhaiyaaWhen the soul melts, what is true joy, sir?
Manadhaal maathiram sugam illaiPleasure is not found in the mind alone
Gunamae uyar tharum kanam aiyaaGood character is what elevates us at every moment, sir
Male
Hmm mm mmHmm mm mm
Female
Hoo ooo ooHoo ooo oo
Maru malligai or malaraiyaaIs it a fresh jasmine flower?
Pookum podhu adhu veenaiyaaWhen it blooms, is it like a veena?
Male :Hoo ooo ooMale: Hoo ooo oo
Siru salaiyil or kuyilammaA cuckoo in the small street

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a classic romantic duet from the 1955 movie 'Thiruttu Raman'. Set in a playful yet poetic dialogue between lovers, the male protagonist praises the heroine's grace, comparing her sweet voice and smile to a singing cuckoo on a street and blooming jasmine flowers producing veena-like music. In response, the female protagonist affectionately questions his poetic nature and ponders how their deep bond formed so effortlessly. Toward the end, the song touches on philosophical warmth, acknowledging that true happiness comes from inner virtue and deep soul connection rather than superficial thoughts.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

“Poothidum malligai manam polae”

Compares the fragrance and sweetness of her smile directly to the scent of a blooming jasmine flower using 'polae' (like).

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

“Un sirithen idhazhinai yedhamma”

Refers to the smile on her lips as 'sirithen' (smiling honey), metaphorically equating her smile to sweet honey.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

“Pookum podhu adhu veenaiyaa / Pongidum punnagai thaen sindhidave”

Repetition of the initial letter 'Po' across lines creates a melodic cadence characteristic of classic Tamil lyrics.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Thiruttu Raman' (1955) was a prominent Tamil film featuring music composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao. The song showcases the legendary vocal chemistry between Ghantasala and Jikki, with lyrics penned by the famous dramatist and lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass.

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