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Lyrics & meaning

Paarthathunda Ketta

From Neengatha Ninaivu · 1963

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Neengatha Ninaivu1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Paarthathunda kettathundaHave you seen it, have you heard it?
Solladi pennaeTell me, girl!
Un paarvai engae kavanam engaeWhere is your gaze, where is your attention?
Nilladi kannaeStop and listen, my dear!
Female
Paarthathundu kettathunduI have seen it, I have heard it,
PazhagavidavillaiBut I haven't let myself indulge in it.
En paarvai nizhalum veredhilumEven the shadow of my gaze,
VizhundhidavillaiHas never fallen anywhere else.
Female
Paarthathunda kettathundaHave you seen it, have you heard it?
Solladi pennaeTell me, girl!
Un paarvai engae kavanam engaeWhere is your gaze, where is your attention?
Nilladi kannaeStop and listen, my dear!
Female
Poothirukku malargal manasaiFlowers have bloomed, uniting
Sernthirukku azhagilHearts in sheer beauty.
Kaathirukku kangal neeEyes are waiting, so what
Ketpadhenna karuthilIs on your mind that you ask this?
Female
Paruva kanavai paarthathundaHave you seen youthful dreams?
Paadum paattai kettadhundaHave you heard a singing song?
Iravu mayakkam thandhadhundaHas the night given you intoxication?
Unnai maranthu nindrathundaHave you stood there forgetting yourself?
Female
PaarthathundaHave you seen?
Female
Paarthathunda kettathundaHave you seen it, have you heard it?
Solladi pennaeTell me, girl!
Un paarvai engae kavanam engaeWhere is your gaze, where is your attention?
Nilladi kannaeStop and listen, my dear!
Female
Paarthathundu kettathunduI have seen it, I have heard it,
PazhagavidavillaiBut I haven't let myself indulge in it.
En paarvai nihalum veredhilumEven the shadow of my gaze,
VizhundhidavillaiHas never fallen anywhere else.
Female
Paarthathunda kettathundaHave you seen it, have you heard it?
Solladi pennaeTell me, girl!
Un paarvai engae kavanam engaeWhere is your gaze, where is your attention?
Nilladi kannaeStop and listen, my dear!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song takes the form of a playful, rhythmic dialogue between two young women. One playfully teases the other, asking why her mind seems so distracted and whether she has surrendered her heart to the sweet daydreaming and intoxication of youthful love. The other cleverly responds that while she is aware of love and its romantic allure, her heart remains pure, focused, and unswayed by distractions.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Emonai / Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Paruva kanavai paarthathunda / Paadum paattai kettadhunda

Repetition of initial consonant and vowel sounds in consecutive lines for musical rhythm, such as 'Paruva' / 'Paadum'.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Paarthathunda kettathunda / Thandhadhunda nindrathunda

Matching end sounds ('unda') across lines creating a catchy, rhythmic interrogative refrain.

Refrain / Repetition

Paarthathunda kettathunda

The repeated line 'Paarthathunda kettathunda' serves as the anchor chorus that drives the conversational cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by A. Maruthakasi, 'Neengatha Ninaivu' (1963) featured energetic dance tracks. L. R. Eswari's playback vocal delivery brought a distinct playful charm and theatricality to the song, which became a popular stage performance favorite.

Keep listening

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