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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paruvam Ennum

From Vazhikatti · 1965

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Ibrahim
Details
Vazhikatti1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Parum enum paadhaiyilaeLook at this path
Payanam seiyum kumarigalaeOh young maidens traveling along!
Parum enum paadhaiyilaeLook at this path
Payanam seiyum kumarigalaeOh young maidens traveling along!
Female
Azhagnilae sirandhavargalAmong those superior in beauty
Aangalo pengalooIs it men or women?
Female
Parum enum paadhaiyilaeLook at this path
Payanam seiyum kumarigalae..aeOh young maidens traveling along!
Female
Vel vizhiyin asaivinilaeAt the subtle movement of spear-sharp eyes
Verrarellaam kozhaigalaamEveryone else turns into cowards
Chorus :Vel vizhiyin asaivinilaeChorus: At the subtle movement of spear-sharp eyes
Verrarellaam kozhaigalaamEveryone else turns into cowards
Female :Vettri kollum nadaiyinilaeFemale: In their victorious, confident stride
Vendhar ellam adimaigalaamEven kings turn into humble slaves
Chorus :Vettri kollum nadaiyinilaeChorus: In their victorious, confident stride
Vendhar ellam adimaigalaamEven kings turn into humble slaves
Female
Aadhalinaal kaalaiyaraeTherefore, the young men
Chorus :Azhagaale uyarndhavaraamChorus: Are elevated and exalted by beauty!
Hooo ooo oo oooHooo ooo oo ooo
Female
Parum enum paadhaiyilaeLook at this path
Payanam seiyum kumarigalae..aeOh young maidens traveling along!
Female
Maanukku azhagu edhuWhat brings beauty to a deer?
Male :KombhuMale: Its horns
Female :Mayillukku azhagu edhuFemale: What brings beauty to a peacock?
Chorus :ThogaiChorus: Its plumage
Female
Sevalukku azhagu edhuWhat brings beauty to a rooster?
Female :KondaiFemale: Its comb
Female :Singathirkku azhagu edhuFemale: What brings beauty to a lion?
Male :PidariMale: Its mane
Female
Maanukku azhagu edhuWhat brings beauty to a deer?
Male :AhaaMale: Ahaa
Female :Mayillukku azhagu edhuFemale: What brings beauty to a peacock?
Male :OhooMale: Ohoo
Female :Sevalukku azhagu edhuFemale: What brings beauty to a rooster?
Male :AiiMale: Aii
Female :Singathirkku azhagu edhuFemale: What brings beauty to a lion?
Hooo ooo oo oooHooo ooo oo ooo
Female
Aadhalinaal kaalaiyaraeTherefore, the young men
Chorus :Azhagaale uyarndhavaraamChorus: Are elevated and exalted by beauty!
Hooo ooo oo oooHooo ooo oo ooo
Female
Singaara sittugalaeOh beautiful little sparrows
Sivandha roja mottugalaeOh vibrant red rosebuds
Chorus :Ho ho ohooChorus: Ho ho ohoo
Ho ho ohooHo ho ohoo
Female :Singaara sittugalaeFemale: Oh beautiful little sparrows
Sivandha roja mottugalaeOh vibrant red rosebuds
Mangaiyarai mayanga veikkumMaking maidens swoon in admiration
Maharaja varaaruThe emperor is coming
Male
Ho hoiiHo hoii
Singaara sittugalae sivandha roja mottugalaeOh beautiful little sparrows, oh vibrant red rosebuds
Singaara sittugalae sivandha roja mottugalaeOh beautiful little sparrows, oh vibrant red rosebuds
Mangaiyarai mayanga veikkumMaking maidens swoon in admiration
Maharaja vandhaaruThe emperor has arrived
Mangaiyarai mayanga veikkumMaking maidens swoon in admiration
Maharaja vandhaaruThe emperor has arrived
Female
Kaadhilae paaru light houseLook at his ear rings like a lighthouse
Female
Kaiyilae modelu bandA stylish model band on his wrist
Female
Thalaiya paaru paaruLook at his head, just look
Female
Azhagil ivaru everestIn terms of beauty, he is Mount Everest
Female
Kalvi kattra mamadhaiyilaeIn the pompous arrogance of being educated

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Vazhikatti' (1965) is a playful debate song centered on the timeless question of who possesses greater beauty—men or women. The lyrics clever use examples from the animal kingdom (such as the stag's horns, peacock's feathers, rooster's comb, and lion's mane) to humorously argue that nature often grants the grandest adornments to males. As the song progresses, it shifts into teasing modern, stylish young men with lighthearted hyperbole, describing their flashy attire and proud demeanor with comedic flair.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Vel vizhiyin asaivinilae

Comparing sharp, captivating eyes to a spear ('Vel vizhiyin') to symbolize their power to subdue others.

Rhetorical Question

Aangalo pengaloo

Asking 'Is it men or women?' ('Aangalo pengaloo') to set up the central theme of the playful debate.

Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Singaara sittugalae / Sivandha roja mottugalae

The second letters 'nga' in 'Singaara' and 'Sivandha' match across consecutive lines.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navortchi)

Azhagil ivaru everest

Exaggerating the protagonist's handsome appearance to the towering height of Mount Everest ('Azhagil ivaru everest').

Did you know?

Trivia

'Vazhikatti' (1965) features a rare musical score by composer Ibrahim. Lyricist Kannadasan demonstrates his penchant for witty, nature-inspired debates in this song, using zoological examples to flip traditional gendered notions of ornamental beauty.

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