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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thulli Thulli Alaigalellaam

From Thalai Koduthaan Thambi · 1959

Lyricist
Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
Singers
A. M. Rajah, P. Susheela
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Movie name
Thalai Koduthaan Thambi
Movie release year
1959
Lyrics added on
28 May 2025

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Thulli thulli alaigal ellaam enna solluthu
Pala thundu thundaa ezhunthu adhu engae selluthu
Thulli thulli alaigal ellaam enna solluthu
Pala thundu thundaa ezhunthu adhu engae selluthu
Kalla vizhi paarvai thanai kandukolluthu
Kobam konde thulluthu
Un kannaththil killi vittu sirikka solluthu
Kalla vizhi paarvai thanai kandukolluthu
Kobam konde thulluthu
Un kannaththil killi vittu sirikka solluthu
Thenkadalin oraththilae jilujilukkum eerathilae
Chinna chinna nandu vanthu enna pannuthu
Thenkadalin oraththilae jilujilukkum eerathilae
Chinna chinna nandu vanthu enna pannuthu
Adhu nillaatha vegathilae
Allum pagal mogathilae
Neenda valai thondikkittu kudumbam pannuthu
Kandathum malaril vandu kaadhal kolvathen
Adhu vanthu vanthu meimaranthu mayangipovathaen
Kandathum malaril vandu kaadhal kolvathen
Adhu vanthu vanthu meimaranthu mayangipovathaen
Kandavudan kaadhal kollum kaaranamum kel
Kandavudan kaadhal kollum kaaranamum kel
Singgaara malar thaen
Naam kanni malar naadiyathum vandupolathaan..
Aa..aa..aa paakku marachcholaiyilae palapalakkum paalaiyilae
Paranthu paranthu kuruvi ellaam enna pinnuthu
Paakku marachcholaiyilae palapalakkum paalaiyilae
Paranthu paranthu kuruvi ellaam enna pinnuthu
Adhu vaazhkkai thanai unarnthukittu
Manasum manasum kalanthukittu
Mookkinaalae koththi koththi koodu pinnuthu
What are all these leaping waves trying to say?
Breaking into countless pieces, where are they going?
What are all these leaping waves trying to say?
Breaking into countless pieces, where are they going?
They have noticed that mischievous look in your eyes,
And they leap up in anger,
Telling me to pinch your cheek and make you smile.
They have noticed that mischievous look in your eyes,
And they leap up in anger,
Telling me to pinch your cheek and make you smile.
By the southern sea shore, in the cool, glistening wet sand,
What are the tiny little crabs doing?
By the southern sea shore, in the cool, glistening wet sand,
What are the tiny little crabs doing?
In their relentless, rushing hurry,
Lost in passion day and night,
They dig a deep burrow and make a home together.
Why does the bee fall in love with a flower at first sight?
Why does it return again and again, lost in a sweet trance?
Why does the bee fall in love with a flower at first sight?
Why does it return again and again, lost in a sweet trance?
Listen to the reason for falling in love at first sight:
Listen to the reason for falling in love at first sight:
It is the sweet nectar of the lovely flower,
And just like that bee, I too came seeking you, my blossoming flower.
Ah... in the arecanut grove, among the shimmering blossoms,
What are all the little birds flitting about and weaving?
In the arecanut grove, among the shimmering blossoms,
What are all the little birds flitting about and weaving?
Having understood the true meaning of life,
And uniting their hearts as one,
They weave a nest together with their beaks.
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This delightful duet from Thalai Koduthaan Thambi (1959) uses nature as an allegory for human love and companionship. Written by Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram, the song captures a playful dialogue between two lovers observing the natural world around them—the restless sea waves, busy little crabs, enamored beetles, and nest-building birds.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukku Thodaru (Reduplication)

“Thulli thulli alaigal ellaam enna solluthu”

Use of repeated words like 'Thulli thulli', 'chinna chinna', and 'koththi koththi' to create a rhythmic pulse and express continuity of movement.

Uvamai (Simile / Metaphor)

“Naam kanni malar naadiyathum vandupolathaan..”

The male protagonist compares his attraction toward the heroine to a bee drawn irresistibly to a sweet flower's nectar.

Nature Allegory

“Mookkinaalae koththi koththi koodu pinnuthu”

Everyday actions of animals and elements in nature (crabs digging burrows, birds building nests) are used to symbolize romantic harmony and family life.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song features music composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy and vocal performance by A. M. Rajah alongside P. Susheela. Lyricist Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram was renowned for seamlessly weaving deep philosophy and natural imagery into simple, accessible romantic songs.

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