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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pothi Vacha Malliga

From Mann Vasanai · 1983

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Mann Vasanai1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pothivecha malliga mottuThe hidden jasmine bud
Poothiruchu vetkatha vituHas bloomed, shedding its shyness
Pesi pesi raasi aanadhae …aeBy talking continuously, they bonded well
Male
Maman pera solliSaying the beloved uncle's name
Solli aalaanadhaeShe came of age by repeating it
Romba naalanadhaeIt has been a long time
Female
{ Pothivecha malliga mottu{ The hidden jasmine bud
Poothiruchu vetkatha vitu } (2)Has bloomed, shedding its shyness } (2)
Pesi pesi raasi aanadhae …aeBy talking continuously, they bonded well
Maman pera solliSaying the beloved uncle's name
Female
Solli aalaanadhaeMale :Ha haanShe came of age by repeating it [Male: Ha haan]
Romba naal aanadhaeMale :Hmm hmmIt has been a long time [Male: Hmm hmm]
Male
Maalayida kaathu alli irukuThe wind has gathered to place a garland
Thaali seiya nethu solli irukuAn order was given yesterday to craft the sacred wedding thread
Female
Idhu saayngaalamaIs this the evening time?
Madi saayum kaalamaOr the time to rest on the lap?
Male
Mulla poo soodu mella paai poduAdorn the jasmine flowers and gently lay down the mat
Female
Ada vaada kaathu soodu yethudhuAh, the chilly northern wind is kindling the heat of desire
Male
Pothivecha malliga mottuThe hidden jasmine bud
Poothiruchu vetkatha vituHas bloomed, shedding its shyness
Female
Pesi pesi raasi aanadhae …aeBy talking continuously, they bonded well
Maman pera solliSaying the beloved uncle's name
Solli aalaanadhaeShe came of age by repeating it
Romba naalanadhaeIt has been a long time
Female
Aathukula nethu unna nenachenYesterday while in the river, I thought of you
Vetka niram poga manja kulichenI bathed in turmeric to wash away the flush of shyness
Male
Konjam maranju paarkavaShall I hide a little and peek?
Illa muthugu theikavaOr shall I scrub your back?
Female
Adhu koodathu idhu thaangaathuThat is not allowed, this cannot be borne
Male
Chinna kaambuthaana poova thaanguthuIsn't it just a tiny stem that holds up the whole flower?
Female
Pothivecha malliga mottuThe hidden jasmine bud
Poothiruchu vetkatha vituHas bloomed, shedding its shyness
Male
Pesi pesi raasi aanadhae …aeBy talking continuously, they bonded well
Maman pera solliSaying the beloved uncle's name
solli aalaanadhaeShe came of age by repeating it
Romba naalanadhaeIt has been a long time
Female
Aalaanadhae romba naalaanadhaeIt has been a very long time since she came of age

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Pothivecha Malliga Mottu' expresses the blossoming of youthful romance and intimacy between two lovers. Using the metaphor of a hidden jasmine bud shedding its shyness to bloom, the heroine sings about her growing affection for her beloved suitor/cousin (maman) and her eagerness for their upcoming marriage.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor

Pothivecha malliga mottu / Poothiruchu vetkatha vitu

Compares a shy young maiden coming of age and discovering love to a hidden jasmine bud that blossoms.

Adukkuthodar / Repetition

Pesi pesi raasi aanadhae

Repetition of words like 'pesi pesi' and 'solli solli' for emotional emphasis and rhythmic cadence.

Edhukai / Second-letter Rhyme

Maalayida kaathu alli iruku / Thaali seiya nethu solli iruku

Rhyming of the second letter 'la' across adjacent lines ('Maalayida' and 'Thaali').

Did you know?

Trivia

This iconic song from 'Mann Vasanai' (1983) was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, rendered by S. Janaki and Malaysia Vasudevan, and marked the film debut of actress Revathi.

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