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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paattu Engae

From Poovizhi Vasalile · 1987

Lyricist
Kamakodiyan
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, S. P. Sailaja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Poovizhi Vasalile1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Paattu engae rapapapaaWhere is the song? Rapapapaa
Aattam ingae rapapapaaHere is the dance! Rapapapaa
Innisaiyodu mella nee seruJoin in gently with the sweet music
Thaenudan paalum poovudan naanumLike milk with honey, and me with the flower
Chorus
Paattu engae rapapapaaWhere is the song? Rapapapaa
Aattam ingae rapapapaaHere is the dance! Rapapapaa
Male
Pagalil manitharkku mathiyae thunaiDuring the day, intellect is man's companion
Iravil palarukku madhuve thunaiAt night, wine is the companion for many
Yaen endrum theriyaathuI do not know why
Yaekkangal puriyuthuYet the yearning is understood
Yaettriya paaraam thangaathuThe heavy burden placed cannot be borne
Inainthida neeyum vaaCome, you too join me
Yaengiya ulla thoongaathuThe yearning heart will not sleep
Amaithiyai meendum thaaGive me back my peace
Vaa poovae vaa…..Come flower, come...
Chorus
Paattu engae rapapapaaWhere is the song? Rapapapaa
Aattam ingae rapapapaaHere is the dance! Rapapapaa
Chorus
………………....
Male
Aasaiyum asaivugal isaiyin nizhalDesires and movements are shadows of music
Amaithu thiruvizhaa iraivan madalSetting up a celebration, God's epistle
Poovae nee saamanthiO flower, you are a marigold
Pozhuthil nee ponnanthiAt dusk, you are the golden jasmine
Enakkoru raagam needhaanaeAren't you a melody made for me?
Pudhu pudhu geedham thaaGive me brand new songs
Thani thani vaazhkkai yaethethuWhat is the point of living separate lives?
Ini yaethum inimaithaanFrom now on, everything is sweetness
Vaa poovae vaa…..Come flower, come...
Chorus
Paattu engae rapapapaaWhere is the song? Rapapapaa
Aattam ingae rapapapaaHere is the dance! Rapapapaa
Innisaiyodu mella nee seruJoin in gently with the sweet music
Thaenudan paalum poovudan naanumLike milk with honey, and me with the flower
Chorus
Paattu engae rapapapaaWhere is the song? Rapapapaa
Aattam ingae……Here is the dance...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Paattu Engae' from Poovizhi Vasalile (1987) is a lively dance and cabaret-style song composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, featuring dynamic renditions by Malaysia Vasudevan and S. P. Sailaja with lyrics by Kamakodiyan. The track blends rhythmic enthusiasm with subtle philosophical reflections on human solitude and romance. The verses contrast daytime rationality with night-time escapism through music and spirits, ultimately celebrating togetherness, love, and emotional peace through the sweet medium of music.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Contrast / Antithesis

Pagalil manitharkku mathiyae thunai / Iravil palarukku madhuve thunai

Contrasts intellect (mathi) being man's guide by day with wine (madhu) being his solace by night.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Poovae nee saamanthi / Pozhuthil nee ponnanthi

Rhyming second letters in 'saamanthi' and 'ponnanthi'.

Simile / Metaphor

Thaenudan paalum poovudan naanum

Comparing the harmonious closeness of lovers to the seamless mixture of milk and honey.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Poovizhi Vasalile' (1987), directed by Fazil starring Sathyaraj and Suhasini, was a huge commercial blockbuster. 'Paattu Engae' stands out for its upbeat Western brass arrangements, jazz basslines, and retro disco rhythm synth track signature to Ilaiyaraaja's popular club song style in the late 1980s.

Keep listening

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