- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- S. P. Sailaja
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Pei Veedu
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 31 Jul 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Thanjavur Maththaalam is a vibrant folk dance song from the 1984 movie Pei Veedu, composed by Shankar Ganesh and written by Vaali. Sung by S. P. Sailaja, the protagonist playfully scolds her beloved for being hesitant and maintaining distance. She uses traditional metaphors such as the famous Thanjavur drum, red sugarcane, unplowed fields, and temple chariots to express her affection and yearning for intimacy. The lyrics combine playful romance with infectious rhythm, calling her lover to step up, hold her close, and embrace the musical joy. She promises a spirited performance that will keep everyone dancing until the break of dawn.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Thanjavur maththaalam / Thattaamal vittaalae paavam”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Th' in consecutive words.
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Yaer marantha senkazhani / Thaer marantha thenpazhani”
Matching of second consonants ('r') in parallel poetic lines.
Uvamaani (Simile)
“Kamanai pol thaakkuriyae”
Comparing the hero's seductive influence to Lord Kamadeva (the god of love) using 'pol'.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Kaiyodu ennai nee thaangu / Nenjodu ennai nee vaangu”
Matching end-rhyme with 'thaangu' and 'vaangu'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Pei Veedu (1984) featured dynamic music by the Shankar-Ganesh duo, who were prolific in crafting energetic rural and commercial beats during the 1980s Tamil cinema era. Lyricist Vaali crafted this song with authentic regional slang and classic folk wordplay.
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