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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Singaara Therukku

From Idhu Sathiyam · 1963

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
Seerkazhi Govindarajan, L. R. Eswari
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Idhu Sathiyam1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Singaara thaerukku saela kattiDressing up a beautiful ornate chariot in a saree,
Chinna chinna idaiyinil poova kattiTying flowers around her tiny, delicate waist,
Theru theruvaa adha nadakka vittaaIf made to walk street after street,
Indha chinnanjiru manasugal ennavaagumWhat will happen to these tiny young hearts?
Female
Thaerukku munnaala kaala kattiTying bulls in front of the chariot,
Sevvanthi poovaala maala kattiWreathing garlands made of chrysanthemum flowers,
Thaerukku munnaala kaala kattiTying bulls in front of the chariot,
Sevvanthi poovaala maala kattiWreathing garlands made of chrysanthemum flowers,
Jilujilu jiluvena izhuthu vandhaaIf pulled along cheerfully and brightly,
Adhu seraadha manasukku paalam aagumIt becomes a bridge for hearts that remain ununited.
Male
Sangu vella kazhuthukkuAround a neck as white and smooth as a conch,
Sangiliyum pottu vittuPlacing a golden chain,
Mella mella aada vittaa ennavaagumWhat happens if it is allowed to sway gently?
Male
Sangu vella kazhuthukkuAround a neck as white and smooth as a conch,
Sangiliyum pottu vittuPlacing a golden chain,
Mella mella aada vittaa ennavaagumWhat happens if it is allowed to sway gently?
Female
Adhu angum ingum odaamaeWithout running here and there,
Aduthadhai naadaamaeWithout seeking anything else,
Aadavargal kan irandai kaidhi aakkumIt will imprison both eyes of men.
Male
Aahaa kollaiyo kollai endru ullamae madhu unduAha, exclaiming what a captivating plunder, the heart drinks nectar,
Thallaadi thallaadi nadamaadumStaggering and swaying as it dances.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song poetically compares a beautifully dressed woman walking through the streets to a gorgeously decorated temple chariot in procession. Kannadasan uses vivid sensory imagery to capture her delicate waist, conch-white neck, and mesmerizing walk, wondering how young hearts can withstand such intoxicating charm. Her graceful presence acts as a bridge for separated lovers and spellbinds onlookers, holding the eyes of men captive as their minds drink in the bliss of her alluring beauty.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani (Metaphor)

Singaara thaerukku saela katti

Compares a beautiful woman adorned in traditional clothes to an ornate temple chariot (Singaara thaer).

Erattai Kilavi / Onomatopoeia

Jilujilu jiluvena izhuthu vandhaa

'Jilujilu' is an echoic word used to depict a lively, sparkling, and refreshing rhythmic movement.

Adukku Thodaru (Repetition)

Chinna chinna idaiyinil poova katti

Repetition of words like 'Chinna chinna' and 'Mella mella' to emphasize gentleness and charm.

Uvamaani (Metaphor)

Sangu vella kazhuthukku

Compares a smooth white neck to a polished conch shell ('Sangu vella kazhuthu').

Uvagam (Metaphor / Hyperbole)

Aadavargal kan irandai kaidhi aakkum

Describes the gaze of men being 'imprisoned' by the sight of her beauty.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Idhu Sathiyam' (1963) featured music composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy with lyrics penned by Kannadasan. Kannadasan's signature style shines through the blend of classical Tamil metaphors (such as comparing a neck to a conch shell) with catchy folk-rhythmic structures.

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