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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pennoda Aanaiyum

From Athma Shanthi · 1952

Lyricist
T. N. Rajappa
Singers
Lakshmi, S. P. Pillai
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Athma Shanthi1952

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pennoda aanaiyumA magnet that joins a man with a woman
Aanodu pennaiyumAnd a woman to a man
Medhuva onnaakkum gaandhamadiSlowly bringing them together, my dear
Sandhosamae undaakum bodhaiyadiIt is an intoxication that brings pure happiness, my dear
Female
Sallabam aadavaaShall we engage in romantic banter?
Kulla nee poduraeYou are playing sly tricks
Polladha killadi nilladha poYou wicked clever one, do not stand here, go away!
Illa yemaali endrenniOr thinking I am a gullible fool,
Komaali kothadikka aal paarthiyaDid you look for a clown to mess with?
Ye sooranae neeyum orr aan pillaiyaaHey hero, are you really a brave man?
Male
Love-unna ennaannuWhat love actually means,
Sonnatheriyalayae mann bommaiyaaDidn't you understand even when told, you mud doll?
Ye paarvathi neeyum orr pen pillaiyaaHey Parvathi, are you really a woman?
Female
Ellam therinjathuEverything has become clear now
Ingae nee vandhadhu vaelaiIf you came here for actual work
Illattaa veen vambhu thaanOtherwise, it is just unnecessary trouble
Un koothukal ellamae veen thollai thaanAll your drama and antics are merely a useless nuisance

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful duetting track from Athma Shanthi (1952) captures a witty and romantic verbal duel between two lovers. The male singer describes love as a powerful magnetic force that naturally draws men and women together into a state of blissful intoxication, inviting his partner into romantic play. The female singer counter-teases him by calling out his sly tricks, comparing him to a mindless mud doll and a clown trying to fool her. The song highlights classic Tamil cinematic banter through lively back-and-forth retorts.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Medhuva onnaakkum gaandhamadi

Love is poetically conceptualized as 'gaandham' (magnet) that draws lovers together, and the ignorant partner is metaphorically called 'mann bommai' (clay doll).

Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Ani)

Ye sooranae neeyum orr aan pillaiyaa

Both singers question each other's gender identity and pride rhetorically ('neeyum orr aan pillaiyaa' / 'neeyum orr pen pillaiyaa') to provoke and banter.

Second Letter Rhyme (Etukai)

Pennoda aanaiyum / Aanodu pennaiyum

The second consonant sound matches across lines, such as 'Pennoda' and 'Aanodu', establishing a rhythmic flow in early Tamil film lyric writing.

Did you know?

Trivia

Athma Shanthi (1952) was a early cross-border effort released in both Tamil and Malayalam. The film starred T. R. Ramachandran and Malayalam actress Miss Kumari, featuring lyrics written by T. N. Rajappa.

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