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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Parisam Podatha Kadhali

From Elan Kandru · 1985

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singers
P. Susheela, K. J. Jesudass
Music director
Gangai Amaran
Details
Elan Kandru1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Parisam podaatha kadhali manasu poo maathiriThe heart of an unbetrothed lover is like a flower
Nilavu sirikaatha raaththiri enakku sivaraaththiriA night without a smiling moon is like a sleepless Shivarathri to me
Un kannil edhukku nee thanni iraichecheWhy are you shedding tears from your eyes?
En panjavarnamae en nenjai nanaichaeOh my colorful parrot, you drenched my heart
Uyiril thee vithaichae….You sowed fire into my soul...
Male
Parisam podatha kadhali maasu poo mathiriThe heart of an unbetrothed lover is like a flower
Female
: ……………Male: Oh deer, I asked for news of you for four months
Male :Manae naalaam maasam kettaen un sethiOh honey, talking to you cures my sickness
Thaenae paechaa pesi theeraen en viyaathiLike a rose flower near the ear
Kaathoram rosaappoovaiIt has been four days since you brushed against me
Nee mothi naalaachchu
Male
Poovasam veesum kaaththuThe flower-scented breeze
Adadaa un perumoochchuAh, is your deep breath
Paththu viralum unnai kotha varumaeAll ten fingers come to hold you close
Nenjukulla anthapuramA royal inner chamber inside the heart
Vanjikodi thantha varamA boon granted by the creeper-like lady
Female
Parisam podatha kadhali maasu poo mathiriThe heart of an unbetrothed lover is like a flower
Nilavu sirikaatha raaththiri enakku sivaraththiriA night without a smiling moon is like a sleepless Shivarathri to me
Male
……………….Female: Some news or another, I am after all a woman
Female :Yaedho yaedho saethi naano pen jaadhiMy body slenderly turns into a delicate thread, ah
Thaanae noolaai maarum aahaa en maeniIt is enough to just look from the surface
Maelodu paarthaal pothumAn everlasting, insatiable bond
Thigattaatha anupanthamOnly at the moment when you touch me
Nee theendum naeramthaanaeThe headline takes on a whole new meaning
Porul maarum thalaiyangam
Female
Chinna vayasu konjam mella pazhguI am young, get accustomed to me gently and slowly
Thannanaanaa endru varumIt will begin to hum 'thannanaanaa'
Pennukullae inbaswaramA sweet musical note within a woman
Male
Parisam podatha kadhali maasu poo mathiriThe heart of an unbetrothed lover is like a flower
Nilavu sirikaatha raaththiri enakku sivaraththiriA night without a smiling moon is like a sleepless Shivarathri to me
Female :Un kannil edhukku nee thanni iraichecheFemale: Why are you shedding tears from your eyes?
En panjavarnamae en nenjai nanaichaeOh my colorful parrot, you drenched my heart
Uyiril thee vithaichae….You sowed fire into my soul...
Male
Parisam podatha kadhali maasu poo mathiriThe heart of an unbetrothed lover is like a flower
Female :Nilavu sirikaatha raaththiri enakku sivaraththiriFemale: A night without a smiling moon is like a sleepless Shivarathri to me

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Parisam Podaatha Kadhali' from the 1985 film 'Elan Kandru' is a romantic duet written by Gangai Amaran. The song explores the tender emotions and deep yearning shared between two lovers who are eagerly awaiting their official betrothal ('parisam'). The male lover compares his partner's heart to a fragile flower and his sleepless, lonely nights to Shivarathri, expressing how her presence cures his longing. In response, the female lover shyly responds, asking him to be patient and gentle with her youthfulness while acknowledging the deep connection they share. Through poetic imagery of nature, breezes, and melody, the lyrics highlight the sweetness of romantic anticipation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uwamai)

Parisam podaatha kadhali manasu poo maathiri

Compares the delicate heart of an unbetrothed lover to a tender flower ('poo maathiri').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Nilavu sirikaatha raaththiri enakku sivaraaththiri

Compares sleepless moonless nights to Shivarathri ('sivaraaththiri'), symbolic of staying awake all night.

Oxymoron / Paradox

En panjavarnamae en nenjai nanaichae / Uyiril thee vithaichae….

Contrasts the idea of water ('thanni') drenching the heart while simultaneously sowing fire ('thee vithaichae') in the soul.

Rhyme (Edhugai)

Male :Manae naalaam maasam kettaen un sethi / Thaenae paechaa pesi theeraen en viyaathi

The usage of 'Manae' and 'Thaenae' at the start of adjacent lines creates a pleasing poetic rhyme.

Did you know?

Trivia

The term 'Parisam' refers to 'Parisam Poduthal', a traditional Tamil custom where the groom's family presents formal gifts and betrothal token to the bride's family to finalize a wedding engagement.

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