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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paai Viriththathu

From Thalaivan · 1970

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Thalaivan1970

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aa…aa….aa….aa…aa…aa…aa.Ah… ah… ah… ah… ah… ah… ah.
Male
{Paai virithadhu paruvamYouth has spread out the bed,
Female
Palli kondadhu ilamaiYoung age has laid down to sleep,
Male
Kural koduthadhu saevalThe rooster has called out,
Female
Vizhithu kondana kangal} (2)And the eyes have awakened.
Male
Nilavu magal nadai payilvadhennaYouth has spread out the bed,
Endhan nenjanaiyil vandhu thuyilvadhennaYoung age has laid down to sleep,
Female
Aahahahaa… aa…The rooster has called out,
Male
Nilavu magal nadai payilvadhennaAnd the eyes have awakened.
Endhan nenjanaiyil vandhu thuyilvadhennaWhy is the moon-like maiden practicing her walk?
Female
Idiyanaithu ennai pidippadhennaWhy has she come to sleep on the bed of my chest?
Oru idaivaelai indri nadippadhennaAahahahaa… ah…
Idiyanaithu ennai pidippadhennaWhy is the moon-like maiden practicing her walk?
Oru idaivaelai indri nadippadhennaWhy has she come to sleep on the bed of my chest?
Male
Valaikkaram irundhaalWhy hold me tightly around my waist?
Thunai karam vaendumWhy act without any break?
Male
Valaikkaram irundhaalWhy hold me tightly around my waist?
Thunai karam vaendumWhy act without any break?
Female
Thunai karam irundhaal…If there are hands wearing bangles,
Thoda cholla thondrumA supporting hand is needed.
Male
Paai virithadhu paruvamIf there are hands wearing bangles,
Female
Palli kondadhu ilamaiA supporting hand is needed.
Male
Kural koduthadhu saevalIf a supporting hand is there...
Female
Vizhithu kondana kangalIt feels like asking to be touched.
Male
Vazhi vazhiyaai vandha vazhakka padiYouth has spread out the bed,
Indha vizhi vazhiyaai konjam vaa ippadiYoung age has laid down to sleep,
Female
Padi padiyaai solli kodutha padiThe rooster has called out,
Kadhai padikka vandhaal indha paruva kodiAnd the eyes have awakened.
Male
Mudhal mudhal padithaalAccording to the tradition passed down through generations,
Mayakkathai kodukkumCome this way a little through these eyes,
Male
Mudhal mudhal padithaalAs taught step by step,
Mayakkathai kodukkumThis youthful creeper came to read the story.
Female
Padithadhai mudhithaal…When reading for the very first time,
Pala naal inikkumIt gives an intoxication,
Male
Paai virithadhu paruvamWhen reading for the very first time,
Female
Palli kondadhu ilamaiIt gives an intoxication,
Male
Kural koduthadhu saevalWhen finishing what was read...
Female
Vizhithu kondana kangalIt will be sweet for many days.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic duet from the film 'Thalaivan' (1970) poetically captures the intimate playfulness and waking affection between lovers. Set against the imagery of dawn breaking—symbolized by the rooster's crow and awakening eyes—the song explores the transition from rest to sweet romantic interaction.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Uvameyam)

Nilavu magal nadai payilvadhenna / Endhan nenjanaiyil vandhu thuyilvadhenna

'Nilavu magal' (Moon-maiden) metaphors the heroine's radiance, while 'nenjanai' (chest-bed) represents physical closeness.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Paai virithadhu paruvam / Palli kondadhu ilamai

Repetition of initial consonants like 'Pa' in 'Paai' and 'Palli' creates a rhythmic cadence.

Edupadi / Double Entendre & Metaphor

Kadhai padikka vandhaal indha paruva kodi

'Kadhai padikka' (reading a story) serves as an elegant literary metaphor for intimacy and courtship.

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Mudhal mudhal padithaal

Words like 'Mudhal mudhal' and 'Padi padiyaai' repeat consecutively to build poetic rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Thalaivan' (1970) starred M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Jayalalithaa. The music was composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu with lyrics penned by Vaali, sung by T. M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela. Vaali masterfully used literary allegories such as reading lessons to write romantic lines that maintained decorum while conveying intimacy.

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