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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Puthagaththai Mella

From Annai Bhoomi 3D · 1985

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Annai Bhoomi 3D1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
:Puthagathai mella purattuGently turn the pages of the book.
Idhan thathuvathai chollum iruttuThe darkness will explain its philosophy.
Indha puthagathai mella purattuGently turn the pages of this book.
Idhan thathuvathai chollum iruttuThe darkness will explain its philosophy.
Female
Munnum pinnumFront and back,
Rendu pakkamOn both sides,
Achadichu vechirukkumIt has been printed and stored—
Nalla palliyarai sambavangalGood bedchamber occurrences,
Vaalibathin sangadhigalThe affairs of youth.
Female
Puthagathai mella purattuGently turn the pages of the book.
Aaaa…aaa….aaa….aaaa….aaa…..Aaaa…aaa….aaa….aaaa….aaa…..
Female
Alangaara aadai konduWearing decorative clothing,
Adharkketra jaadai konduWith matching subtle gestures,
Ival oru thanimayil iravilae vaadaShe wilts in solitude during the night.
Azhagaana kannam renduTwo beautiful cheeks,
Adaiyaala chinnam ondruA mark of identity,
Vaangida vazhangida oruvanai thedaSearching for someone to give and receive from.
Female
Nalla uravu unnuruvilWhen a good relationship came near me,
Ennarugil vandha pozhudhuIn your form,
Chinna idaiyil kattilaraiOn the slender waist, bedroom...
Mettugalai thottu ezhudhu...tunes are written by touching.
Female
Pudhu maeni nogaamalWithout hurting the tender body,
Punnaaga aagaamalWithout letting it turn into a wound,
Ennugindra ennangalaiThe thoughts that I contemplate,
Kan mozhiyil pesa viduLet them speak through the language of eyes.
Vandhirukkum manmadhanaeOh Lord of Love who has arrived,
Ennudaiya mannavanaeOh my king!
Female
Puthagathai mella purattuGently turn the pages of the book.
Idhan thathuvathai chollum iruttuThe darkness will explain its philosophy.
Male
Valaiyosai kettaal ennaWhat if the sound of bangles is heard?
Vizhi jaadai paarthaal ennaWhat if the glances of eyes are seen?
Mayangumo kalangumoWill it swoon or get distressed?
En manam thaanaeIt is just my mind.
Male
Oru podhum aasai illaiThere is never any desire;
Udhavaadhu kaadhal thollaiThe trouble of love is useless.
Ulagilae idhu varaiIn this world, until now,
Thani maram naanaeI am a lone tree.
Male
Kanni azhaguThe beauty of a maiden,
Thaththi vara thaththi varaAs it comes bouncing and hopping,
Kandu rasippenI will watch and enjoy.
Kanda varaiyil podhum yenaSaying 'what I've seen is enough',
Podhum yena etti iruppenSaying 'it's enough', I will stay away.
Male
Sugamaana sangeethamPleasant music,
Kettaalae sandhoshamJust hearing it brings happiness.
Indha manam unnudaiyaThis mind of mine,
Sondha manam illaiyadiIs not your own property, my girl.
Konjuvadhai kenjuvadhaiCoaxing and begging,
Mella mella vittu viduSlowly leave it behind.
Male
Puthagathil enna irukkuWhat is inside the book?
Oru thathuvamum illai enakkuThere is no philosophy in it for me.
Indha puthagathil enna irukkuWhat is inside this book?
Oru thathuvamum illai enakkuThere is no philosophy in it for me.
Male
Kannil oru mogam illaiThere is no lust in my eyes,
Nenjil oru dhaagam illaiThere is no thirst in my heart,
Kattazhagai thottadhillaiI have not touched physical charm,
Kaadhal ennai chuttadhillaiLove has not scorched me.
Male
Puthagathil enna irukkuWhat is inside the book?
Aaa….aaa….aaa….aaa….aaa…..Aaa….aaa….aaa….aaa….aaa…..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song presents a dual perspective on romantic temptation and emotional restraint. One voice entices the lover to gently flip through the 'book' of youth and bedroom intimacy, describing the allure of romance, passion, and youthful desires blooming in the dark. The counter-voice responds with philosophical detachment, arguing that love brings unnecessary trouble and asserting a choice to remain an isolated observer, free from lust or romantic thirst. Ultimately, the song contrasts sensual invitation with stoic resistance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagam)

Puthagathai mella purattu

Life or youth's romantic experiences are metaphorically referred to as a book ('Puthagam') with printed pages of intimacy.

Rhyme / Monnai / Etugai (Tamil Prosody)

Kannil oru mogam illai / Nenjil oru dhaagam illai

The second letter alignment (Edhugai) and ending rhymes create a melodic cadence between 'Mogam', 'Dhaagam', and 'Chuttadhillai'.

Repetition / Anaphora (Adukku Thodar)

Thaththi vara thaththi vara

The phrase 'Thaththi vara' and 'Mella mella' are repeated for rhythmic emphasis and visual impact.

Did you know?

Trivia

Annai Bhoomi 3D (1985), starring Vijayakanth and Radha, holds a unique place in Tamil cinema history as the first 3D film made in Tamil. The soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by Vaali.

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