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Lyrics & meaning

Perazhagu Meni

From Vatathukkul Chadhuram · 1978

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Vatathukkul Chadhuram1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Perazhagu maeni kondenI possess a body of supreme beauty
Oor pugazha aada vandhenI have come to dance so the town praises me
Paarppadharkkum rasippadharkkumTo be watched and to be admired
Kaaval enna veli ennaWhat protection is needed, what fence is needed?
Female
Perazhagu maeni kondenI possess a body of supreme beauty
Oor pugazha aada vandhenI have come to dance so the town praises me
Paarppadharkkum rasippadharkkumTo be watched and to be admired
Kaaval enna veli ennaWhat protection is needed, what fence is needed?
Female
Naan siritha nerathilaeIn the moments when I smiled
Naan ninaitha vaazhkkai illaiThe life I envisioned did not exist
Naan valarndha paadhaiyilaeIn the path where I grew up
Naalu pakkam veli illaiThere were no boundaries on any four sides
Female
Paasathukku manadhai vaithenI devoted my heart to affection
Vaazhvadharkku azhagai vaithenI used my beauty to earn a living
Un uravin aadharavilIn the support of your relationship
Kaalam endrum magizhndhiruppenI will remain happy forever in time
Female
Perazhagu maeni kondenI possess a body of supreme beauty
Oor pugazha aada vandhenI have come to dance so the town praises me
Paarppadharkkum rasippadharkkumTo be watched and to be admired
Kaaval enna veli ennaWhat protection is needed, what fence is needed?
Female
Vattathukkul sadhuram unduThere is a square inside a circle
Sadhurathil vattam unduThere is a circle inside a square
Ullathukkul ullam endruLike a heart within a heart
Ondru patta pinaippum unduThere is a bond that unites us as one
Female
Kodi malar vaangi vandhuBringing ten million flowers
Koondhal thannil sootti vaithenI adorned them in your hair
Vaazha vaithu paarppadhondraeTo see you live well
Ezhai endhan aasaiyammaaIs the only desire of this poor self, my lady
Female
Perazhagu maeni kondenI possess a body of supreme beauty
Oor pugazha aada vandhenI have come to dance so the town praises me
Paarppadharkkum rasippadharkkumTo be watched and to be admired
Kaaval enna veli ennaWhat protection is needed, what fence is needed?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Perazhagu maeni konden' expresses the poignant internal reflections of a woman whose beauty and dancing talents are displayed publicly for others to admire. Despite the fame, public admiration, and financial necessity of her profession, her internal world lacks genuine emotional warmth and boundary security. She contrasts the superficial delight of performance with her deeply felt desire for true love, emotional shelter, and meaningful human connection. In the second half, the imagery of geometric shapes (a square within a circle and vice versa) serves as a metaphor for complex, interconnected emotional bonds and destinies. The song captures a deeply personal longing to find solace in a supportive relationship and to selflessly wish happiness for her loved ones despite her own humble or tragic circumstances.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhetorical Question

Kaaval enna veli enna

The line asks 'Kaaval enna veli enna' (What guard is needed, what fence is needed?), emphasizing the exposed and vulnerable nature of a public performer's life.

Paradox / Geometric Metaphor

Vattathukkul sadhuram undu

'Vattathukkul sadhuram undu, Sadhurathil vattam undu' uses contradictory geometric positioning to represent the intricate, overlapping nature of human relationships and life's complexities.

Anaphora / Initial Rhyme (Monaai)

Naan siritha nerathilae

Repetition of 'Naan' at the beginning of consecutive lines ('Naan siritha', 'Naan ninaitha', 'Naan valarndha') creates rhythmic emphasis on her personal narrative.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is from the 1978 Tamil film 'Vattathukkul Chadhuram', directed by S. P. Muthuraman. The music for this movie was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with memorable vocal rendition by S. Janaki. The lyrics were penned by Panchu Arunachalam, known for blending simple language with profound emotional depth.

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