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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pattu Selai Kattikittu

From Pattu Selai · 1985

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
Gangai Amaran
Music director
Gangai Amaran
Details
Pattu Selai1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pattuselai kattikkittu vaadiyammaaCome, my girl, wearing a silk saree!
Naama rendu perum nalla jodiyammaaThe two of us make a great pair, my girl!
Aththa maga muththammaa maman kitta vetkamaaCousin Muthamma, why be shy in front of your suitor?
Aadikittu vaammaa pakkamaaCome dancing close to me!
Male
Pattuselai kattikkittu vaadiyammaaCome, my girl, wearing a silk saree!
Naama rendu perum nalla jodiyammaaThe two of us make a great pair, my girl!
Aththa maga muththammaa maman kitta vetkamaaCousin Muthamma, why be shy in front of your suitor?
Aadikittu vaammaa pakkamaaCome dancing close to me!
Male
Oththaiyilae pogaathae orakkannaal paakkaathaeDon't go out alone, don't glance out of the corner of your eye!
Kettu pogum aambala manasuA man's heart will lose its control!
Aaththila kulikaathae selaiya nanaikkaathaeDon't bathe in the river, don't soak your saree!
Kannupada poguthu unakkuAn evil eye will fall upon you!
Male
Thaiyilae naala paaththu vaaraen pullaI will select an auspicious day in the month of Thai and come, girl!
En kaiyilae neeyum vanthaa thaaraen pullaIf you come into my arms, I will give you everything, girl!
Adiyae kiliyae azhagaana rathiyaeOh my parrot-like girl, oh beautiful Goddess Rathi!
Male
Pattuselai kattikkittu vaadiyammaaCome, my girl, wearing a silk saree!
Naama rendu perum nalla jodiyammaaThe two of us make a great pair, my girl!
Aththa maga muththammaa maman kitta vetkamaaCousin Muthamma, why be shy in front of your suitor?
Aadikittu vaammaa pakkamaaCome dancing close to me!
Male
Pattuselai kattikkittu vaadiyammaaCome, my girl, wearing a silk saree!
Naama rendu perum nalla jodiyammaaThe two of us make a great pair, my girl!
Aththa maga muththammaa maman kitta vetkamaaCousin Muthamma, why be shy in front of your suitor?
Aadikittu vaammaa pakkamaaCome dancing close to me!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Pattu Selai is a cheerful and vibrant Tamil folk-style romantic song. The male protagonist playfully teases and woos his cousin Muthamma, admiring her charm while urging her to step closer without hesitation. He lovingly cautions her against attracting the gaze of strangers in public places and promises to marry her formally during the auspicious Tamil month of Thai.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Adiyae kiliyae azhagaana rathiyae

Compares the beloved woman to a parrot ('kiliyae') and Rathi ('azhagaana rathiyae'), the goddess of beauty, highlighting her grace and allure.

Alliteration / Initial Rhyme (Moonaai)

Oththaiyilae pogaathae orakkannaal paakkaathae

Repetition of the initial vowel sound 'O' ('Oththaiyilae' and 'orakkannaal') creates a rhythmic cadence in the line.

End Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Oththaiyilae pogaathae orakkannaal paakkaathae

The line endings 'pogaathae' and 'paakkaathae' rhyme, lending a lyrical and catchy rhythm typical of Tamil folk music.

Did you know?

Trivia

Gangai Amaran served as the composer, lyricist, and playback singer for this energetic track, showcasing his versatility in delivering earthy, rural-flavored Tamil melodies.

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