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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thulli Odum Kaalgal

From Periya Idathu Penn · 1963

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Periya Idathu Penn1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thulli odum kaalgal engaeWhere are the legs that used to leap and run?
Thoondil podum kangal engaeWhere are the eyes that used to cast a fishing hook?
Thulli odum kaalgal engaeWhere are the legs that used to leap and run?
Thoondil podum kangal engaeWhere are the eyes that used to cast a fishing hook?
Male
Kalla paarvai ponathu engaeWhere did that sly, playful glance go?
Kanni chelvamae oh oh hoOh, precious young maiden, oh oh ho!
Oh thulli odum kaalgal engaeOh, where are the legs that used to leap and run?
Thoondil podum kangal engaeWhere are the eyes that used to cast a fishing hook?
Female
Maalai ida thaedhi sonaarThey set a date to exchange flower garlands,
Manjalukku thoodhu sonaarThey sent a message for the auspicious turmeric ceremony,
Maalai ida thaedhi sonaarThey set a date to exchange flower garlands,
Manjalukku thoodhu sonaarThey sent a message for the auspicious turmeric ceremony,
Female
Paal arundha naal kurithaarThey fixed a day to sip milk together,
Panjanaiyai virithu vaithaarThey spread out the soft bed,
Paal arundha naal kurithaarThey fixed a day to sip milk together,
Panjanaiyai virithu vaithaarThey spread out the soft bed,
Female
Oh kann irundhumOh, despite having eyes,
Paarvai illaiThere is no vision,
Kaal irundhum ottam illaiDespite having legs, there is no running,
Kanni nenjil vaarthai illaiThere are no words in the maiden's heart,
Kaanum dheviamae oh ho hoOh visible goddess, oh ho ho!
Oh kann irundhum paarvai illaiOh, despite having eyes, there is no vision,
Kaal irundhum ottam illaiDespite having legs, there is no running,
Male
Thaamaraiyil thaen eduthuTaking nectar from the lotus,
Saar eduthu nei eduthuExtracting juice and gathering ghee,
Thaamaraiyil thaen eduthuTaking nectar from the lotus,
Saar eduthu nei eduthuExtracting juice and gathering ghee,
Male
Thangam endra udal eduthuCreating a body made of pure gold,
Kangalukku virundhu vaithaarThey served a grand feast for the eyes,
Thangam endra udal eduthuCreating a body made of pure gold,
Kangalukku virundhu vaithaarThey served a grand feast for the eyes,
Male
Ohh thulli odum kaalgal engaeOh, where are the legs that used to leap and run?
Thoondil podum kangal engaeWhere are the eyes that used to cast a fishing hook?
Female :Ahh ha..ha ..ahaha. oh..oo..ooFemale vocalization: Ahh ha..ha ..ahaha. oh..oo..oo
Female
Un adimai aana pinbuAfter becoming your slave,
En udamai yethu inguWhat remaining property do I have here?
Un adimai aana pinbuAfter becoming your slave,
En udamai yethu inguWhat remaining property do I have here?
Female
Mannan undhan malar adiyilAt your lotus feet, my king,
Kann irandai saathi vaippenI shall dedicate both my eyes,
Mannan undhan malar adiyilAt your lotus feet, my king,
Kann irandai saathi vaippenI shall dedicate both my eyes

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from Periya Idathu Penn portrays a playful yet deeply passionate exchange between lovers anticipating marriage. The male protagonist lovingly teases his coy bride, contrasting her former playful, energetic self with her current silent, bashful demeanor as wedding rituals near. He marvels at her beauty, describing her body as a golden masterpiece crafted from pure lotus nectar. In response, the heroine surrenders completely, declaring that having yielded her heart to her lover, she no longer holds any separate identity or possessions, offering her vision and devotion entirely at his lotus feet.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Thoondil podum kangal engae

Comparing playful, seductive glances to a fishing hook ('Thoondil') that catches the lover's heart.

Initial Rhyme / Alliteration (Moonaai)

Thulli odum kaalgal engae / Thoondil podum kangal engae

Repetition of the initial 'Th' consonant sound across lines ('Thulli' and 'Thoondil').

Second Letter Rhyme (Edhugai)

Un adimai aana pinbu / En udamai yethu ingu

Matching of the second consonant 'n' in 'Un' and 'En'.

Visual Imagery (Tharkurippu)

Thaamaraiyil thaen eduthu... Thangam endra udal eduthu

Poetic creation of vivid golden imagery by describing a body formed from lotus nectar, essences, and gold.

Did you know?

Trivia

Periya Idathu Penn (1963) stars M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and B. Saroja Devi. The soundtrack was composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy with lyrics written by Kannadasan. The playback singing is performed by T. M. Soundararajan and P. Susheela.

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