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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Senthoora Pottu Vacha

From Melathalangal · 1978

Lyricist
Poovai Senguttavan
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
Music director
Ramesh Naidu
Details
Melathalangal1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
…………..
Female
Sendhoora pottu vecha singara sittuBeautiful little bird adorned with a vermilion bindi
Jillunu aadudhu paaru maadhulam mottuLook at the pomegranate bud dancing coolly
Sendhoora pottu vecha singara sittuBeautiful little bird adorned with a vermilion bindi
Jillunu aadudhu paaru maadhulam mottuLook at the pomegranate bud dancing coolly
Chorus
Sendhoora pottu vecha singara sittuBeautiful little bird adorned with a vermilion bindi
Jillunu aadudhu paaru maadhulam mottuLook at the pomegranate bud dancing coolly
Chorus
……………
Male
Naiyaandi melathukuTo the beat of the Naiyaandi drum
Naan podum thaalathukkuTo the rhythm that I set
Male
Naiyaandi melathukuTo the beat of the Naiyaandi drum
Naan podum thaalathukkuTo the rhythm that I set
Aadadha thalaiellaam aada veippenaeI will make even the stillest heads sway along
Chorus
……………….
Male
Naiyaandi melathukuTo the beat of the Naiyaandi drum
Naan podum thaalathukkuTo the rhythm that I set
Aadadha thalaiellaam aada veippenaeI will make even the stillest heads sway along
Female :Yemaali ullavarai yematha aalunduFemale: As long as there are gullible people, there will be deceivers
Chorus
…………………
Female
Yemaali ullavarai yematha aalunduAs long as there are gullible people, there will be deceivers
Ellaamae maarudhunnu naan solluvenI declare that everything is bound to change
Male
Sendhoora pottu vecha singara sittuBeautiful little bird adorned with a vermilion bindi
Jillunu aadudhu paaru maadhulam mottuLook at the pomegranate bud dancing coolly
Chorus
Sendhoora pottu vecha singara sittuBeautiful little bird adorned with a vermilion bindi
Jillunu aadudhu paaru maadhulam mottuLook at the pomegranate bud dancing coolly
Chorus
……………………..
Male
Senthazham poo manakka vandhaadum velaiyilaeWhen dancing in the breeze filled with the scent of screwpine flowers
Thenmaangu paattu varum thannaalae haeiFolk songs pour out effortlessly on their own, hey!
Chorus
………………….Male: When dancing in the breeze filled with the scent of screwpine flowers
Male :Senthazham poo manakka vandhaadum velaiyilaeFolk songs pour out effortlessly on their own
Thenmaangu paattu varum thannaalae
Female
Sonnaathaan puriyudhunga pala perukkuMany people understand only when things are explicitly explained
Enna sonnaalum puriyadhu sila perukuSome people never understand no matter how much you tell them
Male :Adhu seriMale: That is true
Chorus :………………………Chorus: ...
Female
Sonnaathaan puriyudhunga pala perukkuMany people understand only when things are explicitly explained
Enna sonnaalum puriyadhu sila perukuSome people never understand no matter how much you tell them
Female
Sendhoora pottu vecha singara sittuBeautiful little bird adorned with a vermilion bindi
Jillunu aadudhu paaru maadhulam mottuLook at the pomegranate bud dancing coolly
Sendhoora pottu vecha singara sittuBeautiful little bird adorned with a vermilion bindi
Jillunu aadudhu paaru maadhulam mottuLook at the pomegranate bud dancing coolly
Chorus
…………………..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This lively duet from Melathalangal (1978) celebrates the joyous essence of rural Tamil folk music and dance. Using vivid nature imagery like pomegranate buds and fragrant screwpine flowers, the song contrasts playful romantic admiration with witty folk wisdom about human behavior, adaptability, and social realities. The upbeat rhythm, driven by traditional Naiyaandi melam percussion, sets a celebratory mood where music brings everyone together to dance and reflect on life's simple truths.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor (உவமை)

Sendhoora pottu vecha singara sittu / Jillunu aadudhu paaru maadhulam mottu

Comparing the young maiden to a 'singara sittu' (pretty bird) and 'maadhulam mottu' (blooming pomegranate bud).

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Senthazham poo manakka vandhaadum velaiyilae / Thenmaangu paattu varum thannaalae

The second letter consonant harmony ('n' / 'nt') across poetic lines creates rhythmic cohesion.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Sonnaathaan puriyudhunga pala perukku / Enna sonnaalum puriyadhu sila peruku

Matching line endings with 'perukku' highlighting contrast in human nature.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by the legendary music director Ramesh Naidu, who was acclaimed across both Telugu and Tamil cinema, this song highlights the vibrant vocal pairing of Malaysia Vasudevan and S. Janaki, capturing the authentic flavor of rural Tamil street performance traditions.

Keep listening

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