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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paavaiyargal Maan Pole

From Orey Muththam · 1980

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
S. Janaki, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Orey Muththam1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Paavaiyargal maan polae kaaviriyin neer polaeWomen are like deer, like the pure water of Kaveri
Paavaiyargal maan polae kaaviriyin neer polaeWomen are like deer, like the pure water of Kaveri
Vaazhum vagai vaazhnthaalae devathaikku mel aagumIf they live as per traditional values, they transcend even goddesses
Naagarega kolam enna kolamaagumoWhat kind of modern appearance is this modern attire?
Male
Paavaiyargal maan polae kaaviriyin neer polaeWomen are like deer, like the pure water of Kaveri
Male
Vaari vittu pinnaal podungalComb your hair back neatly
Vaasamulla poovai soodungal….poovai soodungalAdorn yourself with fragrant flowers... wear flowers
Aa….aa…aa…aa…aa…aaa….Ah....ah...ah...ah...ah...aaa....
Ponnagaiyilum udaiyilum azhagillai pennaeO woman, beauty lies not merely in gold ornaments or fancy attire
Un nagaiyilum nadaiyilum sugam undu kannaeMy dear, delight exists in your genuine smile and graceful walk
Padiththu padiththu uraiththa thamizhai padiththidungalRead the rich Tamil literature that has been taught again and again
Male
Paavaiyargal maan polae kaaviriyin neer polaeWomen are like deer, like the pure water of Kaveri
Paavaiyargal maan polae kaaviriyin neer polaeWomen are like deer, like the pure water of Kaveri
Female
Nallathor penmani kaattilum vaazhalaamA virtuous woman can live with dignity even in a forest
Thaasiyin veettilum nermaiyaai vaazhalaamShe can live with integrity even in a courtesan's house
Naan thannai unarntha mangaiI am a woman who has realized her true self
Naan punitham niraintha gangaiI am the holy Ganges filled with purity
Enai thiruththa enakku yaarum thevaiyillaiI need no one to reform me
Female
Nallathor penmani kaattilum vaazhalaam…..A virtuous woman can live with dignity even in a forest.....
Male
Pattu selai kattum pothaeWhen wearing a silk saree
Maanam kaaval nirkkumSelf-respect stands guard
Pottum poovum vaikkum pothaeWhen wearing the bindi and flowers
Dheivam thedi varumGod comes seeking you
Adhuthaan neengalaa sariyaai sollungalIs that really so? Tell me correctly!
Male
Pattu selai kattum pothaeWhen wearing a silk saree
Maanam kaaval nirkkumSelf-respect stands guard
Female
Dheivam ingae vanthaal koodaEven if God were to come here
Ennai saerththu kollumHe would embrace and accept me
Kaalam pogum pokkai paarththuObserving the direction times are changing
Konjam maara sollumHe would ask us to adapt a little
Sariyaai paarungal illaiyael kelungalLook properly, or else ask around
Dheivam ingae vanthaal koodaEven if God were to come here
Ennai saerththu kollumHe would embrace and accept me
Male
Nilam paarththu nadappaalaeWomen of olden times used to walk looking down at the ground
Andraiya kaalaththu pengalWomen of olden times
Mugam paarththu sirikkindraalWomen of today look at faces and smile
Indraiya kaalaththu pengalWomen of today
Pompala sirippenna pugaiyila virippennaWhat is a woman's laughter compared to drying tobacco leaves?
Male
Pattu selai kattum pothaeWhen wearing a silk saree
Maanam kaaval nirkkumSelf-respect stands guard
Female
Kurai yaedhum irunthaalaeIf there are any flaws in me
Sollungal thiruththikolvenTell me, and I will correct myself
Unnidaththil kurai irunthaalIf there is a flaw in you
Naan adhai eduththu solvenI will point it out and tell you
Aangalum pengalum sarisamamaagumandroAre not men and women completely equal after all?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Orey Muththam' (1980) features a lively musical debate between traditional societal expectations and modern progressive perspectives regarding women's lifestyle and freedom. One voice argues for traditional modesty, traditional attire, and classical Tamil virtues, emphasizing that dignity and virtue define womanhood.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

Paavaiyargal maan polae kaaviriyin neer polae

Compares women to gentle deer ('maan polae') and the pure flowing river ('kaaviriyin neer polae').

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Naan punitham niraintha gangai

The speaker directly compares herself to the sacred river Ganges filled with purity ('punitham niraintha gangai').

Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Pattu selai kattum pothae / Pottum poovum vaikkum pothae

Rhyming of the second letter 'tti' in 'Pattu' and 'Pottu'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by the legendary Kannadasan, this track encapsulates a playful yet deep philosophical duel on women's rights and modernity versus tradition, masterfully voiced by S. Janaki and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.

Keep listening

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