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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ulagam Pollatha

From Anadhai Anandhan · 1970

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Anadhai Anandhan1970

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ulagam pollaathaa ulagamThe world, a wicked world
Evarum thodaatha paruvamA youth untouched by anyone
Vivaram sollaamal puriyumUnderstood without explanation
Idhil paathi mattum nee paarpatharkkuOnly half of this is for you to see
Adhai paarppathuthaan sugam unakkuSeeing just that brings you pleasure
Idhil paathi mattum nee paarpatharkkuOnly half of this is for you to see
Adhai paarppathuthaan sugam unakkuSeeing just that brings you pleasure
Female
Ulagam pollaathaa ulagamThe world, a wicked world
Evarum thodaatha paruvamA youth untouched by anyone
Vivaram sollaamal puriyumUnderstood without explanation
Idhil paathi mattum nee paarpatharkkuOnly half of this is for you to see
Adhai paarppathuthaan sugam unakkuSeeing just that brings you pleasure
Idhil paathi mattum nee paarpatharkkuOnly half of this is for you to see
Adhai paarppathuthaan sugam unakkuSeeing just that brings you pleasure
Female
Maraththil illaatha kanigalFruits not found on trees
Kaniyil illaatha suvaigalTastes not found in fruits
Suvaiththaal vidaatha virunthuA feast that does not leave once tasted
Virunthai vidaamal arunthuConsume this feast without letting go
Female
Maraththil illaatha kanigalFruits not found on trees
Kaniyil illaatha suvaigalTastes not found in fruits
Suvaiththaal vidaatha virunthuA feast that does not leave once tasted
Virunthai vidaamal arunthuConsume this feast without letting go
Female
Ulagam pollaathaa ulagamThe world, a wicked world
Evarum thodaatha paruvamA youth untouched by anyone
Vivaram sollaamal puriyumUnderstood without explanation
Idhil paathi mattum nee paarpatharkkuOnly half of this is for you to see
Adhai paarppathuthaan sugam unakkuSeeing just that brings you pleasure
Female
Yaezhai pennaaga piranthaenI was born as a poor girl
Ilamai pennaaga valarnthaenI grew up as a youthful woman
Pudhumai pennaaga malarnthaenI bloomed as a modern woman
Puratchi pennaaga uyarnthaenI rose as a revolutionary woman
Female
Ulagam pollaathaa ulagamThe world, a wicked world
Evarum thodaatha paruvamA youth untouched by anyone
Vivaram sollaamal puriyumUnderstood without explanation
Idhil paathi mattum nee paarpatharkkuOnly half of this is for you to see
Adhai paarppathuthaan sugam unakkuSeeing just that brings you pleasure
Idhil paathi mattum nee paarpatharkkuOnly half of this is for you to see
Adhai paarppathuthaan sugam unakkuSeeing just that brings you pleasure

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Ulagam Pollaathaa Ulagam' explores themes of feminine allure, social perception, and female empowerment. The protagonist comments on the paradoxical nature of the world and romantic allure, suggesting that mystery and partial revelation create a deeper sense of pleasure and fascination than absolute clarity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis / Oxymoron (Metaphorical Paradox)

Maraththil illaatha kanigal / Kaniyil illaatha suvaigal

Contradictory imagery comparing abstract emotions to physical objects ('Fruits not found on trees, tastes not found in fruits').

Anaphora / Rhyme (Monorhyme & Progression)

Yaezhai pennaaga piranthaen... Puratchi pennaaga uyarnthaen

Repetition of ending structures across sequential lines describing the evolution of the female protagonist.

Emonai (Second-letter Alliteration)

Evarum thodaatha paruvam / Vivaram sollaamal puriyum

Tamil poetic device where the second letters of consecutive lines share harmony (e.g., 'Evarum' / 'Vivaram').

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics by Kannadasan for the 1970 movie 'Anadhai Anandhan', this song features legendary playback singer P. Susheela delivering a sensual yet reflective performance, showcasing Kannadasan's signature philosophical wordplay embedded within commercial dance numbers.

Keep listening

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