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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paattu Paada Vanthen

From Poove Ilam Poove · 2015

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
Amal Dev
Details
Poove Ilam Poove2015

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Pattu paada vandhenI came to sing a song
Paattu kettu nirkkirenI stand here listening to a song
Gaanam paadum kuyilaeOh cuckoo that sings a melody
Naanum paadugindrenI am singing too
Female
Pattu paada vandhenI came to sing a song
Paattu kettu nirkkirenI stand here listening to a song
Gaanam paadum kuyilaeOh cuckoo that sings a melody
Naanum paadugindrenI am singing too
Female
Yaaradhu yaaradhuWho is that, who is that?
Naanum thedugindrenI too am searching
Female
Pattu paada vandhenI came to sing a song
Paattu kettu nirkkirenI stand here listening to a song
Gaanam paadum kuyilaeOh cuckoo that sings a melody
Naanum paadugindrenI am singing too
Female
Megam ingu vanthu vanthu pogumClouds come and go here
Andha odai velli kolusu pottu pogumThat stream flows as if wearing silver anklets
Megam ingu vanthu vanthu pogumClouds come and go here
Andha odai velli kolusu pottu pogumThat stream flows as if wearing silver anklets
Female
Kodi melae malar oonjal aadathooDoesn't the flower swing on the creeper?
Andha malar melae vandu raagam paadathoDoesn't the beetle sing a tune upon that flower?
Kaadengum sangeetham maanaadu koodiyathoHas a musical conference assembled throughout the forest?
Oo ohoo ooooOo ohoo oooo
Female
Pattu paada vandhenI came to sing a song
Paattu kettu nirkkirenI stand here listening to a song
Gaanam paadum kuyilaeOh cuckoo that sings a melody
Naanum paadugindrenI am singing too
Female
Yaaradhu yaaradhuWho is that, who is that?
Naanum thedugindrenI too am searching
Female
Pattu paada vandhenI came to sing a song
Paattu kettu nirkkirenI stand here listening to a song
Gaanam paadum kuyilaeOh cuckoo that sings a melody
Naanum paadugindrenI am singing too
Female
Aa haa idhu boomiyalla sorgamAh ha, this is not earth, it is heaven
Ada oo hoo andha vaanam rombha pakkamOh, that sky is so very close
Aa haa idhu boomiyalla sorgamAh ha, this is not earth, it is heaven
Ada oo hoo andha vaanam rombha pakkamOh, that sky is so very close
Female
Andha oodai adhu mannin melaadaiThat stream is the upper garment of the earth
Ingu aadi varum megam adhu thaanae paavadaiThe cloud dancing and coming here is its skirt
Mannukkum vinnukkum kalyanam aagiyathoHas a wedding taken place between the earth and the sky?
Hoo ooo hooHoo ooo hoo
Female
Pattu paada vandhenI came to sing a song
Paattu kettu nirkkirenI stand here listening to a song
Gaanam paadum kuyilaeOh cuckoo that sings a melody
Naanum paadugindrenI am singing too
Female
Yaaradhu yaaradhuWho is that, who is that?
Naanum thedugindrenI too am searching
Female
Pattu paada vandhenI came to sing a song
Paattu kettu nirkkirenI stand here listening to a song
Gaanam paadum kuyilaeOh cuckoo that sings a melody
Naanum paadugindrenI am singing too

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Pattu Paada Vandhen is a joyful Tamil song expressing a singer's deep communion with nature. Arriving with the intent to sing, the protagonist ends up captivated by the natural orchestra around her, joining in harmony with the cuckoo. She observes streams flowing like anklet-clad feet, flowers swinging on vines, and bees humming tunes, feeling as though the entire forest has gathered for a grand music summit. As the song progresses, she marvels at her lush surroundings, describing the landscape as heaven on earth where the sky feels reachable. Through poetic personification of streams as garments and clouds as skirts, she wonders if a divine marriage between earth and sky has taken place.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification (Tharkurippetru Ani)

Andha odai velli kolusu pottu pogum

The stream's rippling sound is poetically visualized as a maiden wearing anklets made of silver.

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Andha oodai adhu mannin melaadai

Comparing the stream flowing across the land to an upper garment draped over the earth.

Rhetorical Question

Mannukkum vinnukkum kalyanam aagiyatho

The lyricist uses a poetic question asking if heaven and earth have wedded to emphasize the surreal beauty of the setting.

Initial Alliteration (Monai)

Pattu paada vandhen / Paattu kettu nirkkiren

Repetition of the initial sound 'P' in consecutive lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Amal Dev with lyrics by Vairamuthu, this song beautifully showcases Vani Jayaram's pristine vocals. The track relies heavily on classical pastoral imagery typical of 1980s Tamil film compositions.

Keep listening

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