Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pattu Paavadai Enge

From Parakkum Paavai · 1966

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Parakkum Paavai1966

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kaal kattu kai kattuWithout bounds on legs or hands
Illaadha pengalukkufor women who lack them,
Kaadhal illai endraalumeven if there is no love,
Kaaval ondru vendumammaaprotection is surely needed, dear lady.
Kaaval ondru vendumammaaProtection is surely needed, dear lady.
Male
Pattu paavaadai engaeWhere is the silk skirt?
Katti vaitha koondhal engaeWhere is the neatly styled hair?
Pottengae poovum engaeWhere is the bindi and where are the flowers?
Sollammaa sollammaaTell me, dear lady, tell me.
Male
Pattu paavaadai engaeWhere is the silk skirt?
Katti vaitha koondhal engaeWhere is the neatly styled hair?
Pottengae poovum engaeWhere is the bindi and where are the flowers?
Sollammaa sollammaaTell me, dear lady, tell me.
Male
Kattazhagai aadai konduWrapping your sculpted beauty in clothes,
Sutri vitta kolam ennawhat is this appearance you have adopted?
Vattamidum kangal rendumYour two wide, rolling eyes,
Kotti vitta baavam ennawhat expression do they shower?
Penmai ondru aan endruThat womanhood has transformed into manhood,
Maari vandha saedhi ennawhat is this news that has come?
Male
Pattu paavaadai engaeWhere is the silk skirt?
Katti vaitha koondhal engaeWhere is the neatly styled hair?
Pottengae poovum engaeWhere is the bindi and where are the flowers?
Sollammaa sollammaaTell me, dear lady, tell me.
Male
Kallirukkum mullai mottuWhy does the nectar-filled jasmine bud
Kanneduthu paarppadhennalook up and glance with its eyes?
Kannamennum velli thattuWhat is the silver plate of a cheek
Thulli vandhu ketpadhennaleaping up and asking for?
Thaerodu sirpam vandhuWhy is a sculpted statue from a temple chariot
Oorvalanthaan povadhennagoing on a grand procession?
Male
Pattu paavaadai engaeWhere is the silk skirt?
Katti vaitha koondhal engaeWhere is the neatly styled hair?
Pottengae poovum engaeWhere is the bindi and where are the flowers?
Sollammaa sollammaaTell me, dear lady, tell me.
Male
Pennukku pen kaadhal kollumMaking even women fall in love with her,
Kanni indru povadhengaewhere is this young maiden heading today?
Munnum pinnum kaaval indriWithout any guard in front or behind,
Thannanthani aavadhengaewhy go all by yourself?
Murai sollum maappillaiWithout any rightful suitor beside you,
Yarumindri selvadhengaewhere are you going alone?
Male
Pattu paavaadai engaeWhere is the silk skirt?
Katti vaitha koondhal engaeWhere is the neatly styled hair?
Pottengae poovum engaeWhere is the bindi and where are the flowers?
Sollammaa sollammaa …sollammaaTell me, dear lady, tell me... tell me.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the movie Parakkum Paavai (1966) features playful, inquisitive lyrics where the narrator teases a young woman who appears to have disguised herself or abandoned traditional female attire and adornments. The narrator playfully questions where her silk skirt, neatly tied hair, bindi, and flowers have gone, marveling at how her striking beauty shines through despite her disguise. The lyrics express admiration for her charm while playfully cautioning her about traveling alone without protection or a rightful companion. Kannadasan crafts a lighthearted yet poetically rich dialogue that highlights feminine elegance and playful banter.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Pattu paavaadai engae / Katti vaitha koondhal engae

The second letter 't' (ட்) rhymes across consecutive words, creating rhythmic harmony.

Metaphor (Uruvakgam)

Kannamennum velli thattu

The maiden's cheek is directly compared to a gleaming silver plate.

Anaphora / Repetition (Adukku Thodar)

Sollammaa sollammaa

The word 'sollammaa' is repeated continuously for rhythmic emphasis and persistent questioning.

Did you know?

Trivia

Parakkum Paavai (1966) is a Tamil circus-themed romantic thriller starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), B. Saroja Devi, and J. Jayalalithaa. The soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics written by Kannadasan.

Keep listening

More from Parakkum Paavai