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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oorukku Merkala Andhapuram

From Ponnu Pudichirukku · 1984

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
Janaki
Music director
Chandrabose
Details
Ponnu Pudichirukku1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Oorukku merkkaala anthapuramTo the west of the town lies the inner palace,
Sevvanthi poopootha nanthavanamA flower garden where chrysanthemums bloom,
Singaara chittukkalBeautiful little sparrows,
Aanunnu ponnunnuAs male and female,
Sangeetham paaduthu kelu machchaanAre singing music, listen my dear!
Female
Oorukku merkkala anthapuramTo the west of the town lies the inner palace,
Sevvanthi poopootha nanthavanamA flower garden where chrysanthemums bloom,
Singaara chittukkalBeautiful little sparrows,
Aanunnu ponnunnuAs male and female,
Sangeetham paaduthu kelu machchaanAre singing music, listen my dear!
Female
Oorukku merkkala anthapuramTo the west of the town lies the inner palace,
Sevvanthi poopootha nanthavanamA flower garden where chrysanthemums bloom,
Female
Pakkaththu rasavae enga machchaanMy nearby king, where is my beloved?
Paaththaakkaa palsettu pogumaeJust one look at me and your teeth might fall out from awe!
Kasthoori manaattam naanirukkenI linger here sweet-smelling like musk,
Kannaa un aasaikkuthaan irukkenOh darling, I exist solely for your desires,
Female
Aasaiyaa….pesaiyaaWith passion... talk to me, my dear,
Aasaiyaa konjam pesaiyyaaTalk to me with affection, just a little bit,
Unga azhgula mayangina saavithriI am Savitri, mesmerized by your handsomeness,
Unna arugila azhaikkiraen vaa ippadiI am calling you close, come over here like this,
Female
Oorukku merkkala anthapuramTo the west of the town lies the inner palace,
Sevvanthi poopootha nanthavanamA flower garden where chrysanthemums bloom,
Female
Ne enna sonnaalum yaeththukkiranWhatever you say, I will accept it,
Verenna seiyyonum rasaWhat else should I do, my king?
Nenjoda manjaththa pottukkiraenI embrace the warmth/turmeric against my chest,
Naanthaanae unnoda rosaAfter all, am I not your sweet rose?
Female
Ennththaan….unnaththaanWhatever is mine... is truly yours,
Ennaththaan ada unnaththaanWhatever I have, oh it is all yours,
Naan kuloorula anaikkira vegam varumA rush to embrace you in the chill will arrive,
Suga neruppula kulikkira neram varumThe time to bathe in the warm fire of bliss will arrive,
Female
Oorukku merkkaala anthapuramTo the west of the town lies the inner palace,
Sevvanthi poopootha nanthavanamA flower garden where chrysanthemums bloom,
Singaara chittukkalBeautiful little sparrows,
Aanunnu ponnunnuAs male and female,
Sangeetham paaduthu kelu machchaanAre singing music, listen my dear!
Female
Oorukku merkkaala anthapuramTo the west of the town lies the inner palace,
Sevvanthi poopootha nanthavanamA flower garden where chrysanthemums bloom,
Oorukku merkkaala anthapuramTo the west of the town lies the inner palace,
Sevvanthi poopootha nanthavanamA flower garden where chrysanthemums bloom.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Oorukku Merkkaala Anthapuram' from the movie 'Ponnu Pudichirukku' (1984) is a flirtatious, atmospheric folk melody sung with distinct vocal nuance by S. Janaki. Set in a idyllic setting—a garden blooming with chrysanthemums to the west of the town—the song captures a heroine playful coaxing and seducing her lover ('machchaan'). She compares the pairing of male and female sparrows to their own dynamic and invites him to share moments of romantic bliss. The emotional arc of the track moves from light teasing and playful pride in her beauty to intense surrender and longing for warmth and intimacy. Using vibrant rural colloquialisms and sensory imagery, the heroine conveys her complete devotion to her lover, eagerly anticipating their passionate reunion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Kasthoori manaattam naanirukken

The speaker compares herself to the sweet and lingering scent of musk (Kasthoori) to highlight her magnetic allure.

Metaphor

Naanthaanae unnoda rosa

Directly compares herself to a rose belonging to her lover, representing beauty and romantic affection.

Oxymoron / Imagery

Suga neruppula kulikkira neram varum

'Bathing in blissful fire' juxtaposes the soothing sensation of bathing with the passionate heat of fire to represent romantic warmth.

Iyaipu (Rhyming)

Aasaiyaa….pesaiyaa

End-rhyming scheme with the suffix sound '-aiyaa' creating a rhythmic, coaxing tone.

Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Aasaiyaa / Saavithri

Repetition of similar phonetic patterns in the second letters/syllables across romantic couplets.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Oorukku Merkkaala Anthapuram' features music composed by Chandrabose, a popular composer during the 1980s Tamil cinema era known for his earthy folk rhythms and catchy commercial melodies. Sung by the versatile S. Janaki, her playful vocal modulations bring out the mischievous and intimate tone written by veteran lyricist Pulamaipithan for the 1984 film 'Ponnu Pudichirukku'.

Keep listening

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