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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thanjavur Melam

From Simla Special · 1982

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Simla Special1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thanjaavooru melam adichuPlaying the Thanjavur drums,
Naduvae singaara medai amachuSetting up a beautiful stage in the middle,
Kalyaanam katti koduppenI will get you married,
Ennirandu kannaattam unna ninaippenI will cherish you like my two eyes,
Panatha thanneeraa alli iraippen haaan…I will spend money like water, haaan...
Male
Thanjaavooru melam adichuPlaying the Thanjavur drums,
Naduvae singaara medai amachuSetting up a beautiful stage in the middle,
Kalyaanam katti koduppenI will get you married,
Ennirandu kannaattam unna ninaippenI will cherish you like my two eyes,
Panatha thanneeraa alli iraippenI will spend money like water.
Male
Kaanji nagar pattu vachuDecking you in Kanchipuram silk,
Koyil kungumatha thottu vachuApplying sacred temple kumkum,
Kaanji nagar pattu vachuDecking you in Kanchipuram silk,
Koyil kungumatha thottu vachuApplying sacred temple kumkum,
Then madhura malli vachuAdorning with sweet Madurai jasmine,
Pazhani sandhanatha alli vachuApplying Palani sandalwood paste,
Male
Thaai veettu seeraagavaeAs traditional gifts from your home,
Naalum thangachi nee vaazhavaeFor you, my younger sister, to live prosperously every day,
Varugindra thai maadhamaeIn the upcoming Tamil month of Thai,
Kaadhal kalyaana vaibogamaeIt will be a grand love marriage celebration!
Male
Varugindra thai maadhamaeIn the upcoming Tamil month of Thai,
Kaadhal kalyaana vaibogamaeIt will be a grand love marriage celebration!
Male
Maayavaram pandhalittuErecting a wedding canopy in Mayavaram,
Naduvil pathamada paai virichuSpreading a fine Pathamadai mat in the center,
Dhindukkal vethala vachuPlacing Dindigul betel leaves,
Kooda kumbakonam seeval vachuAlong with Kumbakonam betel nuts,
Male
Kalyaana kolaagalam kaanaTo witness the magnificent wedding festivities,
Kan vendum oraayiramOne needs a thousand eyes!
Ammaadi thandhaachammaaDear girl, it has been given!
Adhukku achaaram aiyaayiram hahahaFor that, an advance of five thousand, hahaha!
Male
Sivagaasi vaanam vedichuBursting Sivakasi fireworks,
Caril maappillaiyum ponnaiyum vachuSeating the groom and bride in a car,
Srirangam yaanai vachuBringing an elephant from Srirangam,
Chinna maulana naayan vachuPlaying music by Sheik Chinna Moulana on the nadaswaram,
Male
Unnaasai eedaeravae naangalTo fulfill your desires, we
Ennaalum poraaduvomWill strive forever,
Ennaasai thangaachiyae naangalOh my beloved sister, we
Anbaana annaachiyaeAre loving brothers!
Male
Ennaasai thangaachiyaeOh my beloved sister,
Naangal anbaana annaachiyae…haanWe are loving brothers... haan!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This vibrant song portrays the deep affection of loving brothers planning a grand, luxurious wedding for their beloved younger sister. Expressing their eagerness to spare no expense, they list extravagant preparations utilizing regional specialties from across Tamil Nadu.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Cultural Imagery & Toponymy

Kaanji nagar pattu vachu

The lyrics uniquely utilize iconic cultural symbols tied to specific towns across Tamil Nadu (Thanjavur drums, Kanchipuram silk, Madurai jasmine, Pathamadai mats, Sivakasi fireworks) to evoke a rich sensory experience of a traditional Tamil wedding.

Simile (Upamai)

Ennirandu kannaattam unna ninaippen

The speaker compares the value of the sister to his own two eyes ('Ennirandu kannaattam'), emphasizing intense affection and care.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)

Kan vendum oraayiram

Exaggerating the grandeur of the wedding by claiming one would need 'a thousand eyes' to take in the full splendor of the celebration.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by lyricist Vaali for the 1982 film 'Simla Special' starring Kamal Haasan, this song is famous for cleverly weaving together the traditional heritage items of Tamil Nadu towns—from Pathamadai mats to Sheik Chinna Moulana's classical nadaswaram music.

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