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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Singaari Sirikkum Azhagu

From Alli Darbar · 1978

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. Janaki, Poorani
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Alli Darbar1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Singaari sirikkum azhagu padhumaiA stylish, smiling beautiful doll
Oiyaari ulagam namakku adimaiO graceful one, the world is our subject
Singaari sirikkum azhagu padhumaiA stylish, smiling beautiful doll
Oiyaari ulagam namakku adimaiO graceful one, the world is our subject
Female
Kannagi maanam draupathi veeramWith the honor of Kannagi and the bravery of Draupadi
Jancyin vegamAnd the speed and swiftness of Rani of Jhansi
Jaadhagam yaavum amainthavalaeYou are blessed with all these powerful traits in your destiny
Puratchiyin geedham pudhumaiyin vedhamA song of revolution, a scripture of modernity
Pennullam ennaalum vaazhgaMay the heart of womanhood live forever
Female
Singaari sirikkum azhagu padhumaiA stylish, smiling beautiful doll
Oiyaari ulagam namakku adimaiO graceful one, the world is our subject
Female
Edhaiyum thaangum idhayam enathuMy heart can endure anything
Anjaamal andraadam poraaduthuIt fights fearlessly every single day
Velum vaalum pidiyil irukkaWith spear and sword held firmly in grip
Veera panpaaduthu vettri kondaaduthuSinging of heroic culture and celebrating victory
Raani….nee en kannmaniO Queen... you are my precious darling
Malarmaeni veera pennmaniA brave woman with a body soft as flowers
Female
Singaari sirikkum azhagu padhumaiA stylish, smiling beautiful doll
Oiyaari ulagam namakku adimaiO graceful one, the world is our subject
Chorus
…………………
Female
Aaru gajaththil saelai aniyumDraped in a six-yard saree
Panjaanga pennillai veeraanganaiShe is not a meek traditional woman, but a warrior female
Aduppai polae aanai oodhumCommanding men as easily as stoking a stove
Thiramai konomadi thuninthu nindromadiWe possess immense skill and stand up courageously
Raani….nee en kannmaniO Queen... you are my precious darling
Malarmaeni veera pennmaniA brave woman with a body soft as flowers
Female
Singaari sirikkum azhagu padhumaiA stylish, smiling beautiful doll
Oiyaari ulagam namakku adimai….O graceful one, the world is our subject...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Alli Darbar' (1978) serves as a rousing anthem celebrating female empowerment, courage, and autonomy. Lyricist Vaali draws inspiration from historical and epic icons such as Kannagi, Draupadi, and Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi to depict women as courageous figures capable of leadership and battle, far beyond traditional societal confines.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Allusion (Ilakkiya / Sarithira Kurippu)

Kannagi maanam draupathi veeram / Jancyin vegam

Refers to iconic women from Tamil epics, Hindu mythology, and Indian history (Kannagi, Draupadi, Jhansi Rani) to symbolize honor, heroism, and swift action.

Alliteration (Monai)

Singaari sirikkum azhagu padhumai

Repetition of the initial sound 'Si' in 'Singaari' and 'sirikkum' creating a melodic rhythm.

Simile (Upamai)

Aduppai polae aanai oodhum

Compares the domestic act of blowing into a stove with easily issuing commands, subverting a traditional home metaphor into an expression of authority.

Oxymoron / Contrast

Malarmaeni veera pennmani

Juxtaposes gentle physical grace ('Malarmaeni' - flower-like body) with heroic grit ('Veera pennmani' - brave woman).

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Trivia

The song aligns with the folklore theme of Queen Alli (Alli Arasani), a legendary ruler known in Tamil traditions for running an all-female kingdom and defying patriarchal norms.

Keep listening

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