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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pazhani Santhana Vaadai

From Vaazhkai Padagu · 1965

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
L. R. Eswari, Sirkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Vaazhkai Padagu1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aa… aa… haa… aa… aa…Aa… aa… haa… aa… aa…
Pazhani sandhana vaadai adikkidhuThe fragrance of Palani sandalwood wafts in the air
Poosiyadhu yaaroWho is the one that applied it?
Pavala kunguma nethi manakkudhuThe forehead adorned with coral-red kumkum smells sweet
Soodiyadhu yaaroWho is the one that wore it?
Female
Pazhani sandhana vaadai adikkidhuThe fragrance of Palani sandalwood wafts in the air
Poosiyadhu yaaroWho is the one that applied it?
Pavala kunguma nethi manakkudhuThe forehead adorned with coral-red kumkum smells sweet
Soodiyadhu yaaroWho is the one that wore it?
Male
Ingu kuyila pol oru paattu vandhadhuA song like a cuckoo's melody arrived here
Paadiyadhu yaaro paadiyadhu yaaroWho sang it? Who sang it?
Ingu kuyila pol oru paattu vandhadhuA song like a cuckoo's melody arrived here
Paadiyadhu yaaro mellaWho sang it gently?
Kulugum salangai osai vandhadhuThe sound of jingling anklets echoed
Aadiyadhu yaaro aadiyadhu yaaroWho danced? Who danced?
Male
Pazhani sandhana vaadai adikkidhuThe fragrance of Palani sandalwood wafts in the air
Poosiyadhu yaaroWho is the one that applied it?
Pavala kunguma nethi manakkudhuThe forehead adorned with coral-red kumkum smells sweet
Soodiyadhu yaaroWho is the one that wore it?
Female
Kottadi saelai kattiya pennaiThe woman wearing a checked patterned saree
Kottadi saelai kattiya pennaiThe woman wearing a checked patterned saree
Kattikka vandhadhum nee thaanaeWeren't you the one who came to marry her?
Sittu parandhu ponadhu polaeJust like a sparrow flying away
Sittu parandhu ponadhu polaeJust like a sparrow flying away
Vittu pirindhadhum nee thaanaeWeren't you the one who left and separated?
Male
Aththaiyin pennae chithira kannaeDaughter of my aunt, maiden with artistic eyes
Aththaiyin pennae chithira kannaeDaughter of my aunt, maiden with artistic eyes
Ponadhu pogattum paaradiyoLet bygones be bygones, look here my dear
Kattilin melae methai virithuSpreading a soft mattress upon the bed
Kattilin melae methai virithuSpreading a soft mattress upon the bed
Kadhaiyum solven keladiyoI shall tell you stories, listen my dear
Aaha kadhaiyum solven keladiyoAaha, I shall tell you stories, listen my dear
Female
Pazhani sandhana vaadai adikkidhuThe fragrance of Palani sandalwood wafts in the air
Poosiyadhu yaaroWho is the one that applied it?
Pavala kunguma nethi manakkudhuThe forehead adorned with coral-red kumkum smells sweet
Soodiyadhu yaaroWho is the one that wore it?
Male
Ingu kuyila pol oru paattu vandhadhuA song like a cuckoo's melody arrived here
Paadiyadhu yaaro paadiyadhu yaaroWho sang it? Who sang it?
Mella kulugum salangai osai vandhadhuThe soft sound of jingling anklets arrived
Aadiyadhu yaaro aadiyadhu yaaroWho danced? Who danced?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic track from the 1965 movie 'Vaazhkai Padagu' explores the themes of sensory memory, yearning, and reconciliation. The speaker reminisces about the delicate scent of divine sandalwood and sacred kumkum, comparing the presence of the beloved to the sweet song of a cuckoo and the rhythmic sound of dancing anklets. Through poetic inquiries, the singer affectionately addresses the beloved, asking who has filled the air with such fragrance and music. In the later verses, the protagonist addresses their cousin ('Aththaiyin pennae'), urging her to leave past misunderstandings behind ('Ponadhu pogattum') and embrace togetherness once more. The composition by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy elevates Kannadasan's lyrical imagery of traditional love, intimate affection, and playful courtship.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

Ingu kuyila pol oru paattu vandhadhu

Compares the melody of the song to the sweet call of a cuckoo bird using the explicit comparison word 'pol'.

Anaphora / Repetition (Adukkuthodar)

Paadiyadhu yaaro paadiyadhu yaaro

Rhetorical repetition of 'paadiyadhu yaaro' and 'aadiyadhu yaaro' creates a rhythmic cadence and highlights the sense of playful wonder.

Eyaibu (Rhyming Endings)

Pazhani sandhana vaadai adikkidhu / Pavala kunguma nethi manakkudhu

Endings of contiguous lines feature matching suffixes like 'adikkidhu / manakkudhu' and 'poosiyadhu / soodiyadhu' to enhance lyrical flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Vaazhkai Padagu' (1965) was directed by C. Srinivasan and starred Gemini Ganesan alongside Devika. The film's soundtrack was composed by the iconic duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, featuring timeless lyrics by Kannadasan that blend classical Tamil cultural motifs with popular romantic playback music.

Keep listening

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