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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paathukko Indha Panjavarna

From Sirai · 1984

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singer
Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Sirai1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Paaththukko….intha panjavarna poongiliyaiLook at this five-colored parrot...
Pattu vanna poongidiyai saeththukkoEmbrace this silk-colored floral creeper.
Paaththukko….intha panjavarna poongiliyaiLook at this five-colored parrot...
Pattu vanna poongidiyai saeththukkoEmbrace this silk-colored floral creeper.
Mottu vitta mullaikodi thulluthuThe budding jasmine vine leaps with excitement,
Muththamittu ottikkolla solluthuAsking to kiss and cling close.
Female
Intha katti vacha puththakaththaiThis bound book,
Kotti vachcha raththinaththai kattikoThis gathered pile of gems—embrace her!
Ennai thottukko….Touch me...
Female
Paaththukko….intha panjavarna poongiliyaiLook at this five-colored parrot...
Pattu vanna poongidiyai saeththukkoEmbrace this silk-colored floral creeper.
Female
Ooralum uththamargal niththam varum santha madamThe open brothel where respected town leaders visit daily,
Kaadhoram antharanga sangathigal sollumidamThe place where secret desires are whispered in the ear.
Ooralum uththamargal niththam varum santha madamThe open brothel where respected town leaders visit daily,
Kaadhoram antharanga sangathigal sollumidamThe place where secret desires are whispered in the ear.
Female
Jaadhi ingu illai shanthi engal ellaiCaste does not exist here; peace is our boundary.
Aadugindra thennai alli thinnu ennaiGather and consume me like a swaying young coconut.
Jaadhi ingu illai shanthi engal ellaiCaste does not exist here; peace is our boundary.
Aadugindra thennai alli thinnu ennaiGather and consume me like a swaying young coconut.
Female
Paaththukko….intha panjavarna poongiliyaiLook at this five-colored parrot...
Pattu vanna poongidiyai saeththukkoEmbrace this silk-colored floral creeper.
Mottu vitta mullaikodi thulluthuThe budding jasmine vine leaps with excitement,
Muththamittu ottikkolla solluthuAsking to kiss and cling close.
Female
Naalthorum kannagiyin karputhanai sonnathennaWhy preach about Kannagi's chastity every day,
Yae oorthorum kanniyarai thedi kondu vanthathennaWhile searching for maidens across every town to bring here?
Naalthorum kannagiyin karputhanai sonnathennaWhy preach about Kannagi's chastity every day,
Yae oorthorum kanniyarai thedi kondu vanthathennaWhile searching for maidens across every town to bring here?
Female
Kolgaiyattra neegal kulla nari koottamYou are a pack of cunning jackals without principles!
Ungalidam naangal maatti konda thottamWe are a garden trapped in your ruthless hands.
Kolgaiyattra neegal kulla nari koottamYou are a pack of cunning jackals without principles!
Ungalidam naangal maatti konda thottamWe are a garden trapped in your ruthless hands.
Female
Paaththukko….intha panjavarna poongiliyaiLook at this five-colored parrot...
Pattu vanna poongidiyai saeththukkoEmbrace this silk-colored floral creeper.
Mottu vitta mullaikodi thulluthuThe budding jasmine vine leaps with excitement,
Muththamittu ottikkolla solluthuAsking to kiss and cling close.
Female
Intha katti vacha puththakaththaiThis bound book,
Kotti vachcha raththinaththai kattikoThis gathered pile of gems—embrace her!
Ennai thottukko….Touch me...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Paaththukko' from Sirai (1984) is a captivating track that blends alluring romantic expressions with sharp social critique. Performed in a courtesan or brothel environment, the singer initially presents herself using vivid poetic imagery—describing her beauty as a colorful parrot, a delicate flowering vine, and a treasure house of gems.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

Paaththukko….intha panjavarna poongiliyai

The woman compares herself to a five-colored parrot ('panjavarna poongili'), a silk vine ('pattu vanna poongidi'), and an unread book ('katti vacha puththakam').

Edhukai (Second-letter Rhyming)

Mottu vitta mullaikodi thulluthu / Muththamittu ottikkolla solluthu

The second consonant 'tt' (ட்) rhymes between lines, creating a rhythmic and lyrical bounce.

Irony and Social Satire (Maranu / Sledai)

Naalthorum kannagiyin karputhanai sonnathenna / Yae oorthorum kanniyarai thedi kondu vanthathenna

The lyricist contrasts the public moralizing about Kannagi's chastity with the private hypocrisy of men seeking courtesans.

Did you know?

Trivia

Directed by R. C. Sakthi, 'Sirai' is known for addressing sensitive social topics concerning women and morality. Musician M. S. Viswanathan utilized S. Janaki's expressive voice to switch masterfully between playful flirtation and stinging social commentary in this song.

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