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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thanga Thattu

From Nermai · 1985

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Nermai1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thanga thattu thaalam thattuTap the gold plate, strike the rhythm
Maedai ittu maelam kottuSet up the stage and beat the drums
Naanaachu solli thara kaathirukkenIt has been ages, I am waiting to teach you
Naalaachu unnai enni poothirukkenDays have passed, I have blossomed thinking of you
Naanaachu solli thara kaathirukkenIt has been ages, I am waiting to teach you
Naalaachu unnai enni poothirukkenDays have passed, I have blossomed thinking of you
Male
Kannai kavarum thanga kalasamAn eye-catching golden finial
Ivalae oru porkoyilShe herself is a golden temple
Enna nalinam enna sarasamWhat grace, what charm and playfulness
Amudham pongum sevvaayilIn her red lips overflowing with nectar
Vanjikkodi en nenjai pidiO vine-like maiden, hold my heart
Enna padi en vannak kiliRead me like a book, my colorful parrot
Male
Thaenoorum mutham oru aayiram thaanA thousand kisses overflowing with honey
Thaanaaga sorgam varum nee irundhaalHeaven will arrive on its own if you are here
Thaenoorum mutham oru aayiram thaanA thousand kisses overflowing with honey
Thaanaaga sorgam varum nee irundhaalHeaven will arrive on its own if you are here
Male
Thanga thattu thaalam thattuTap the gold plate, strike the rhythm
Maedai ittu maelam kottuSet up the stage and beat the drums
Female
Naanaachu solli thara kaathirukkenIt has been ages, I am waiting to teach you
Naalaachu unnai enni poothirukkenDays have passed, I have blossomed thinking of you
Female
Kannil enakku enna neruppuWhat fire is this in my eyes
Mayakkam ini theeraadhuThis intoxication will never fade now
Kanni enakkum kaalai unakkumFor me the young maiden, and for you the youth
Oru naal sugam podhaadhuOne single day of bliss is not enough
Female
ChinnavaraeMale :Hmm mmYoung sir (Male: Hmm mm)
Female :En mannavaraeMale :AahaaFemale: My king (Male: Aahaa)
Female :Innum pidi en inba variFemale: Hold me closer, my sweet tax of pleasure
Male :HahahaMale: Hahaha
Female :Thaalaamal kaalgal rendumFemale: Unable to bear it, both my legs
ThallaadudhaeAre stumbling and swaying
Thanneerum ingu romba soodaagudhuEven the water here is becoming so hot
Female
Alli thelikka thanni iraikkaTo scoop up and sprinkle, to draw water
Malarum indha poonjolaiThis flower garden blossoms
Male
Nenjam kalikka nitham kulikkaFor the heart to rejoice and bathe daily
Kulirum indha thaenodaiThis stream of honey feels cool
Kothu kothaai venmuthu muthaaiIn bunches and clusters, like white pearls
Konjudhadi en inba malarMy flower of joy is lisping sweet words
Female
Paaraattu ketkum pallikkoodathilaeIn the school where praises are heard
Male
Thaerottam thendral andhi naerathilaeA breeze like a chariot procession during the evening time
Female
Paaraattu ketkum pallikkoodathilaeIn the school where praises are heard
Male
Thaerottam thendral andhi naerathilaeA breeze like a chariot procession during the evening time
Male
Thanga thattu thaalam thattuTap the gold plate, strike the rhythm
Female :Maedai ittu maelam kottuFemale: Set up the stage and beat the drums
Male :Haa naanaachu solli thara kaathirukkenMale: Haa, it has been ages, I am waiting to teach you
Female :Haan naalaachu unnai enni poothirukkenFemale: Haan, days have passed, I have blossomed thinking of you
Male :Hoi naanaachu solli thara kaathirukkenMale: Hoi, it has been ages, I am waiting to teach you
Female :Haan haa naalaachu unnai enni poothirukkenFemale: Haan haa, days have passed, I have blossomed thinking of you

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful and romantic duet from the film Nermai (1985) captures an intimate conversation and affectionate exchange between two lovers. Styled with celebratory and musical imagery such as gold plates, drums, and stages, the couple expresses their deep longing, passionate desire, and mutual affection for each other. The lyrics depict the intense romance through metaphors of nature, nectar, flowers, and gentle breezes.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Naanaachu solli thara kaathirukken / Naalaachu unnai enni poothirukken

Matching second consonants in adjacent lines such as 'Thanga' and 'Maedai' or 'Naanaachu' and 'Naalaachu'.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Ivalae oru porkoyil

The heroine is metaphorically described as a golden temple ('porkoyil') and her lips as overflowing nectar.

Anaphora / Repetition

Thanga thattu thaalam thattu

Rhythmic repetition of phrases ('Thanga thattu thaalam thattu') to emphasize musicality and dance rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Nermai' (1985), starring Sivaji Ganesan and Prabhu, featured music composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics written by the acclaimed poet Pulamaipithan.

Keep listening

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