- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Nathaiyil Muthu
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Jan 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Othaiyadi Paadhaiyila is a vibrant folk-style song from the film Nathaiyil Muthu (1973), sung by T. M. Soundararajan. The song expresses the lighthearted intoxication and deep attraction felt by a young man toward his beautiful cousin (athaimagal). He humorously confesses to his friend that he drank a bit too much liquor to cope with the overwhelming thoughts of his beloved. As he watches her walk down a narrow path, he admires her glowing turmeric-coated skin, her white teeth resembling rice grains, her sweet coral-like words, and her cleverness. The lyrics blend the playful disorientation of alcohol with the dizzying feeling of love.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upama (Simile)
“Maalai veyil vannam polae”
Compares the golden hue of turmeric applied on the skin to the warm color of the evening sun.
Imagery & Metaphor
“Pacharisi pallukkaari / Paavaajam pol sollukkaari”
Describes her white teeth using the vivid imagery of raw rice grains (Pacharisi) and her speech to precious coral (Paavaajam/Pavazham).
Etukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Othaiyadi paadhaiyila / Athaimaga pogaiyila”
The second letter ''th'' rhymes across consecutive lines (Othaiyadi / Athaimaga).
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Pacharisi pallukkaari”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Pa' across words in the line.
Did you know?
Trivia
Nathaiyil Muthu (1973) features music composed by the veteran duo Shankar-Ganesh and lyrics penned by Kavignar Vaali. T. M. Soundararajan's spirited rendition perfectly captures the rustic folk flavor and slurred charm of an intoxicated protagonist in love.
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