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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Tamizhan Padaichu

From Kolangal · 1995

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
Mano, K. S. Chithra
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kolangal1995

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thamizhan padachu vecha metteduthuTaking the tune composed by a Tamilian,
Vadakkae thirudugiraanSomeone in the North steals it.
Female
Oruthan arachu vecha maaveduthuTaking the flour batter already ground by someone,
Thirumba arachiduraanThey just grind it all over again.
Chorus
Thamizhan padachu vecha metteduthuTaking the tune composed by a Tamilian,
Vadakkae thirudugiraanSomeone in the North steals it.
Oruthan arachu vecha maaveduthuTaking the flour batter already ground by someone,
Thirumba arachiduraanThey just grind it all over again.
Female
Kaalam ippo maariduchuTimes have changed now,
Female Chorus :O… ho… hoo ooo…Female Chorus: O... ho... hoo ooo...
Male :Maari enna aayiduchuMale: What exactly has changed?
Male Chorus :O… ho… ohoo ooo…Male Chorus: O... ho... ohoo ooo...
Female
Paatti potta buff ravikkaThe puffed-sleeve blouse worn by grandmothers,
Female Chorus :O… ho… hoo ooo…Female Chorus: O... ho... hoo ooo...
Male :Fashion endru vandhiduchuMale: Has now come back as modern fashion!
Male Chorus :O… ho… ohoo ooo…Male Chorus: O... ho... ohoo ooo...
Female
Thamizhan padachu vecha metteduthuTaking the tune composed by a Tamilian,
Vadakkae thirudugiraanSomeone in the North steals it.
Male
Oruthan arachu vecha maaveduthuTaking the flour batter already ground by someone,
Thirumba arachiduraanThey just grind it all over again.
Male
Sanga kaala pengal ellaamAll the women of the ancient Sangam era,
Male Chorus :O… ho… hoo ooo…Male Chorus: O... ho... hoo ooo...
Female :Pandhadichu paarthadhellaamFemale: Played ball games back then,
Female Chorus :O… ho… ohoo ooo…Female Chorus: O... ho... ohoo ooo...
Male
Volley ball ah aayiduchuThat has now become volleyball,
Male Chorus :O… ho… hoo ooo…Male Chorus: O... ho... hoo ooo...
Female :Peru mattum maariduchuFemale: Only the name has changed!
Female Chorus :O… ho…o hoo ooo…Female Chorus: O... ho... ohoo ooo...
Chorus
Podaa po ellaamaeGo away man, all of this,
Nammaalu paatthaachu daaOur people have already seen!
Male
Thamizhan padachu vecha metteduthuTaking the tune composed by a Tamilian,
Vadakkae thirudugiraanSomeone in the North steals it.
Female
Oruthan arachu vecha maaveduthuTaking the flour batter already ground by someone,
Thirumba arachiduraanThey just grind it all over again.
Chorus
Thamizhan padachu vecha metteduthuTaking the tune composed by a Tamilian,
Vadakkae thirudugiraanSomeone in the North steals it.
Oruthan arachu vecha maaveduthuTaking the flour batter already ground by someone,
Thirumba arachiduraanThey just grind it all over again.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This lighthearted and satirical song penned by Vaali highlights the concept of recycling old ideas into modern trends. Using witty Tamil idioms and cultural references, the song humorously accuses North Indian music industries of copying South Indian tunes, compares recycled ideas to re-grinding already ground batter, and notes that modern inventions like 'volleyball' or 'puffed-sleeve blouses' are merely ancient Tamil traditions re-branded as contemporary fashion.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Analogy / Idiom

Oruthan arachu vecha maaveduthu thirumba arachiduraan

The line 'Oruthan arachu vecha maaveduthu thirumba arachiduraan' (Grinding already ground batter) is a famous colloquial Tamil idiom used to describe unoriginal, repetitive, or derivative work.

Irony / Satire

Paatti potta buff ravikka fashion endru vandhiduchu

The lyrics mock modern novelty by showing that what people call 'fashion' today is simply what grandmothers used to wear, highlighting the cyclical nature of culture.

Monai (Initial Assonance)

Paatti potta buff ravikka

The repetition of the initial 'P' sound ('Paatti' and 'Potta') serves as a traditional Tamil poetic device enhancing rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

The movie 'Kolangal' (1995) was directed by veteran director I. V. Sasi and starred Jayaram and Kushboo. The soundtrack was composed by famous composer Deva, who is known for embedding vibrant local folklore and humor into his songs.

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