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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Raja Ponnu Adi Vadiyamma (Sad)

From Orey Muththam · 1980

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Jayachandran
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Orey Muththam1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aa….aa…aa…aa…aa…aa….aa…Aa….aa…aa…aa…aa…aa….aa…
Male
Raja ponnu adi vaadiyammaHey royal girl, come along dear!
Konja aanatha naattiyam aadadiDance a little dance of joy!
Nadhiyinil aadadiDance in the river!
Kulunga kulunga aadadiyoDance with a swaying rhythm!
Male
Raja ponnu adi vaadiyammaHey royal girl, come along dear!
Konja aanatha naattiyam aadadiDance a little dance of joy!
Nadhiyinil aadadiDance in the river!
Kulunga kulunga aadadiyoDance with a swaying rhythm!
Male
Unakkaagaththaanae ponnodamaeJust for you, my golden boat!
Unnoduthaanae kalyaanamaeMy marriage is only with you!
Namakkagaththaanae nadhiyottamaeThe river flows just for the two of us!
Naam kanda vaazhvu vidhiyottamaeThe life we found is driven by destiny!
Male
Manam vellaithaanThe heart is pure white,
Udai vellaithaanThe dress is pure white,
Manam vellaithaanThe heart is pure white,
Udai vellaithaanThe dress is pure white,
Aanaalum en nenjam unnoduthaanEven so, my heart remains with you!
Male
Kaaviyam vaazhvoru kaaviyamLife is a grand epic saga,
Adhilae pudhiyathaai kadhai ezhuthuWrite a brand new story in it!
Male
Raja ponnu adi vaadiyammaHey royal girl, come along dear!
Konja aanatha naattiyam aadadiDance a little dance of joy!
Nadhiyinil aadadiDance in the river!
Kulunga kulunga aadadiyoDance with a swaying rhythm!
Male
Senthooram konjam naan vaikkavaaShall I apply a touch of vermilion for you?
Singaara poovai naan soottavaaShall I adorn you with a lovely flower?
Kalyaana theril naam pogavaaShall we ride together in a wedding chariot?
Karpoora dheepam naan yaetravaaShall I light a sacred camphor lamp?
Male
Ponnaaramae venn megamaeO golden garland! O white cloud!
Ponnaaramae venn megamaeO golden garland! O white cloud!
Pudhu vaazhvu kaangindra en geeddhamaeO song of mine, witnessing a fresh new life!
Kaaviyam vaazhvoru kaaviyamLife is a grand epic saga,
Adhilae pudhithaai kadhai ezhuthuWrite a brand new story in it!
Male
Raja ponnu adi vaadiyammaHey royal girl, come along dear!
Konja aanatha naattiyam aadadiDance a little dance of joy!
Nadhiyinil aadadiDance in the river!
Kulunga kulunga aadadiyo….Dance with a swaying rhythm!....

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This delightful composition from 'Orey Muththam' celebrates love, destiny, and the joy of starting a new chapter in life. The protagonist playfully calls out to his beloved, encouraging her to dance freely in the flowing river of life and joy. Through imagery of pure white garments and symbolic gestures like applying vermilion and lighting camphor lamps, the song highlights purity of intent, marital harmony, and blissful union. Kannadasan's lyrical philosophy frames human life as a grand epic poetically guided by fate. Ilaiyaraaja's breezy melody, rendered gently by P. Jayachandran, captures an uplifting, celebratory mood that blends innocent romance with deep romantic devotion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Kulunga kulunga aadadiyo

The phrase 'Kulunga kulunga' repeats the word to vividly convey the energetic, rhythmic swaying motion of dancing.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Unakkaagaththaanae ponnodamae

The beloved is affectionately addressed as 'ponnodamae' (golden boat), symbolizing her as a precious vessel navigating the waters of life.

Parallelism / Anaphora

Manam vellaithaan

The repetitive structure of 'Manam vellaithaan / Udai vellaithaan' creates rhythmic harmony while emphasizing innocence and purity.

Philosophical Metaphor

Kaaviyam vaazhvoru kaaviyam

'Kaaviyam vaazhvoru kaaviyam' compares human existence to an epic poem, encouraging the lovers to write a new chapter together.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Orey Muththam' (1980) was directed by C. A. Balakrishnan, featuring music composed by maestro Ilaiyaraaja. Sung effortlessly by P. Jayachandran with lyrics by Kannadasan, this track stands out for its sweet, rustic river-folk tune integrated with classic film music arrangements.

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