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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Salangai Satham Kekkuthadi

From Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu · 1991

Lyricist
Isaignani Ilayaraja
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu1991

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Salangai satham ketkudhadiThe sound of anklets is heard, my friend.
Sarala kallu saalaiyilaeOn the gravel stone road.
Kulungum vandi paadudhadiThe swaying cart is singing, my friend.
Kuthaalathu paadhaiyilaeOn the path to Courtallam.
Male
Malaiyoram adivaaramAt the foothills along the mountain side.
Mayiloda parivaramAlong with peacocks and their retinue.
Kathiraadum sathi podumThe swaying crop stalks keep the musical rhythm.
Puvi yaalum kummaalamIt is a world-ruling joyous celebration.
Sariyaana neramadi idhu sariyaana neramadiThis is the right time, my friend, this is the right time!
Salangai satham ketkudhadiThe sound of anklets is heard, my friend.
Sarala kallu saalaiyilaeOn the gravel stone road.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This lively folk composition captures the joyful spirit of a journey through the scenic rural countryside leading to Courtallam. The lyrics vividly describe the rhythmic sounds of anklets and a swaying cart traveling along a rugged gravel road, blending seamlessly with the sights and sounds of nature. The song paints a picture where nature itself becomes a performer: peacocks gather like a royal retinue, and swaying crops keep time with the music. It celebrates a perfect, joyful moment in time where rural life and natural beauty come together in a grand, festive harmony.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Salangai satham ketkudhadi / Sarala kallu saalaiyilae

Repetition of the initial consonants or sound patterns in consecutive lines, such as 'Salangai' and 'Sarala'.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Malaiyoram adivaaram / Mayiloda parivaram

Agreement of the second letter across lines ('la' sound in Malaiyoram and Mayiloda).

Personification

Kulungum vandi paadudhadi

Attributing human actions like singing to inanimate objects (the cart) and keeping rhythm to crops.

Repetition (Anaphora)

Sariyaana neramadi idhu sariyaana neramadi

Repeating the phrase 'sariyaana neramadi' for rhythmic emphasis and urgency.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu' (1991) marked the directorial venture of Bharathiraja that introduced several prominent actors to Tamil cinema, including Sukanya and Napoleon. The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, blending authentic Tamil rural folk idioms with orchestral arrangements.

Keep listening

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