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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pakkathile Kanni Pen

From Padikkadha Medhai · 1960

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
A. L. Raghavan, Jamuna Rani
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Padikkadha Medhai1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pakkathilae kanni penn irukkuA young maiden is by my side,
Female
Kann paarvai podudhae surukkuHer sharp glance pierces like a quick prick.
Male
Pakkathilae kanni penn irukkuA young maiden is by my side,
Female
Kann paarvai podudhae surukkuHer sharp glance pierces like a quick prick.
Female
Paathaiyilae pala valaivirukkuThere are many twists and turns in the path,
Unga paarvaiyilae namma uyir irukkuOur very life resides within your glance.
Paathaiyilae pala valaivirukkuThere are many twists and turns in the path,
Unga paarvaiyilae namma uyir irukkuOur very life resides within your glance.
Male
Naanirukkum podhu bayam edhukkuWhen I am here, why should there be fear?
En naattam ellaam un mel irukkuAll my desire and focus are upon you.
Naanirukkum podhu bayam edhukkuWhen I am here, why should there be fear?
En naattam ellaam un mel irukkuAll my desire and focus are upon you.
Female
Aanaikkum kooda adi sarukkumEven an elephant can slip its foot,
Idhai arindhum yaeno veen kirukkuKnowing this, why this futile craze?
Aanaikkum kooda adi sarukkumEven an elephant can slip its foot,
Idhai arindhum yaeno veen kirukkuKnowing this, why this futile craze?
Male
Oh pakkathilae kanni penn irukkuOh, a young maiden is by my side,
Female
Kann paarvai podudhae surukkuHer sharp glance pierces like a quick prick.
Male
Pakkathilae kanni penn irukkuA young maiden is by my side,
Female
Kann paarvai podudhae surukkuHer sharp glance pierces like a quick prick.
Female
Nenjinilae pudhu ninaivirukkuNew memories reside within the heart,
Adhil naesathinaal varum manamirukkuThere is a fragrance arising from affection within it.
Nenjinilae pudhu ninaivirukkuNew memories reside within the heart,
Adhil naesathinaal varum manamirukkuThere is a fragrance arising from affection within it.
Male
Nimmadhiyaai naamum iruppadharkkuFor us to remain in peaceful comfort,
Nalla neramum idamum kidaithirukkuA good time and place have been found.
Nimmadhiyaai naamum iruppadharkkuFor us to remain in peaceful comfort,
Nalla neramum idamum kidaithirukkuA good time and place have been found.
Female
Engum inbam niraindhirukkuJoy fills everywhere,
Adhil iru manam ondraai kalandhirukkuIn which two hearts have blended into one.
Engum inbam niraindhirukkuJoy fills everywhere,
Adhil iru manam ondraai kalandhirukkuIn which two hearts have blended into one.
Male
Oh pakkathilae kanni penn irukkuOh, a young maiden is by my side,
Female
Kann paarvai podudhae surukkuHer sharp glance pierces like a quick prick.
Male
Pakkathilae kanni penn irukkuA young maiden is by my side,
Female
Kann paarvai podudhae surukkuHer sharp glance pierces like a quick prick.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Pakkathilae Kanni Penn Irukku from Padikkadha Medhai (1960) is a playful romantic duet that captures the exhilaration, hesitation, and tenderness of young love. The protagonist describes the thrilling intensity of his beloved's gaze and the turns on love's path, while reassuring her of his steadfast devotion and protection.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Pakkathilae kanni penn irukku / Kann paarvai podudhae surukku

The song consistently uses the rhyming suffix '-irukku' and '-surukku' at the end of lines to establish a catchy, musical rhythm.

Pazhamozhi (Proverb Insertion)

Aanaikkum kooda adi sarukkum

The lyricist invokes the famous Tamil proverb 'Aanaikkum adi sarukkum' (Even elephants slip) to metaphorically illustrate that anyone, no matter how strong or cautious, can succumb to love or make a misstep.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Nenjinilae pudhu ninaivirukku

Repetition of the initial 'N' sound creates pleasant melodic harmony across the line.

Did you know?

Trivia

Padikkadha Medhai (1960) stars Sivaji Ganesan and Sowcar Janaki, featuring memorable music composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics penned by A. Maruthakasi. This duet remains a popular vintage romantic track of Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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