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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paththaa Pacha Pappa

From Archanai Pookal · 1982

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singers
P. Suseela, Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Archanai Pookal1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pappa papap PappaPappa papap Pappa
Female :AahaaFemale: Aahaa
Whistling :…………………Whistling sound
Male :Pappa papap PappaMale: Pappa papap Pappa
Female :OhoFemale: Oho
Whistling :…………………Whistling sound
Male :papap PappaMale: papap Pappa
Female :AahaaFemale: Aahaa
Whistling :…………………Whistling sound
Male :papap PappaMale: papap Pappa
Whistling :…………………Whistling sound
Male
Paaththaa pachcha pappaIf you look at her, she is a tender young beauty
Pottaa retta thaappaLocked up with a double latch
Female :Pappa papap PappaFemale: Pappa papap Pappa
Pappa papap PappaPappa papap Pappa
Male
Vayasu pappa vazhiya pappaA youthful doll, an overflowing beauty
Thedi jodi serppaShe will search and find her match
Female :Pappa papap PappaFemale: Pappa papap Pappa
Pappa papap PappaPappa papap Pappa
Pappa papap PappaPappa papap Pappa
Female
Paaththathum udalengumJust a glance makes the whole body surge with new vigor daily
Pudhu vegam thinam pongumA new energy overflows every day
Paarvaiyil oru dhaagamThere is a deep thirst in her gaze
Adhu yerum vilaiyaadumIt mounts up and plays tricks
Male
Pagalum VerukkumEven daytime becomes unbearable
Female :Aaa……aaaa…..aa….Female: Aaa……aaaa…..aa….
Male :Palathum marakkumMale: Many things are forgotten
Female :Aaa……aaaa…..aa….Female: Aaa……aaaa…..aa….
Male :Sogamum porakkumMale: Sorrow too begins to brew
Female
Thaniyaa irukka pidikkaathuI do not like remaining alone
Thunaiyum irukka thadaiyethuWhat obstacle is there when a companion is near?
Kaththum Poovum Sernthaa ennaWhat happens when the sword and flower unite?
SollipputtenI have said it clearly
Vetgam Enna thananaaWhy be shy, tra-la-la?
Male
Paaththaa pachcha pappaIf you look at her, she is a tender young beauty
Pottaa retta thaappaLocked up with a double latch
Vayasu pappa vazhiya pappaA youthful doll, an overflowing beauty
Thedi jodi serppaShe will search and find her match
Female :Pappa papap PappaFemale: Pappa papap Pappa
Pappa papap PappaPappa papap Pappa
Pappa papap PappaPappa papap Pappa
Male
Raaththiri pozhuthaanaaOnce night falls
Pasi thaagam edukkaathuNeither hunger nor thirst is felt
Thookkamum pudikkaathuSleep remains elusive
Kulirkaalam KuliraathuEven winter loses its chill
Female
Enakkum athuthaanIt is the exact same for me too
Male :Aaaaaa……Male: Aaaaaa……
Female :Nenaippaa irukkuFemale: The longing keeps lingering
Male :Aaaaaa……Male: Aaaaaa……
Female :Neruppaa Irukku…..Female: It feels like a burning fire...
Male
Vayasil valarum kolaaruThis trouble that grows with youthful age
Vanthaa theerppen naan yaaru….Who am I to solve it when it arrives?
Neeyaa kettaa naanaa tharuvenIf you ask for it, will I give it to you?
Akkam pakkam yaarumillea thananaaThere is nobody around us, tra-la-la
Female
Neye unna keluAsk yourself and see
Naanthaan unnoda aaluI am your lover
Ninachchu paaru inikkum paaruJust imagine it and see how sweet it feels
Vera jodi yaaruWho else could be your partner?
Male
Pappa papap PappaPappa papap Pappa
Female :Pappa papap PappaFemale: Pappa papap Pappa
Male :Pappa papap PappaMale: Pappa papap Pappa
Female :Pappa papap PappaFemale: Pappa papap Pappa

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful track from the film Archanai Pookal (1982), written by Gangai Amaran, captures the exuberant flirtation and sensual awakening of two young lovers. Through lighthearted rhythmic refrains ("Pappa papap Pappa") and vibrant folk-style banter, the song explores the restlessness, insomnia, and burning passion brought on by youthful romance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethirhai (Second letter rhyming)

Paaththaa pachcha pappa / Pottaa retta thaappa

The second letters 'th' match in 'Paaththaa' and 'Pottaa', creating a playful rhythmic cadence.

Monai (Initial letter alliteration)

Paaththaa pachcha pappa

The repetition of the initial consonant sound 'p' across 'Paaththaa' and 'pachcha pappa' creates dynamic musicality.

Metaphor

Neruppaa Irukku….. / Vayasil valarum kolaaru

Describing youthful longing and romance as a burning fire ('Neruppaa Irukku') and age-related restlessness ('Vayasil valarum kolaaru').

Did you know?

Trivia

Archanai Pookal (1982) features music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by his brother Gangai Amaran. The song relies heavily on rhythmic scatting ('Pappa papap Pappa') and whistling interjections typical of early 1980s Tamil cinema light-duets.

Keep listening

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