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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vaadaatha Rosapoo

From Gramathu Athiyayam · 1980

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Gramathu Athiyayam1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Mmm… mmm… mmm…Mmm… mmm… mmm…
Aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa…Aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa…
Male
Vaadaadha rosaa poo… naan onnu paathaen…I saw an unfading rose flower...
Vaadaadha rosaa poo… naan onnu paathaen…I saw an unfading rose flower...
Paadaadha sogathoda paattum paada kaettaenI heard a song sung with unsung sorrow.
Male
Vaadaadha rosaa poo… naan onnu paathaen…I saw an unfading rose flower...
Male
Kaathaadi pol aadum pennoda siru nenjuA young girl's tender heart sways like a kite,
Kaiyoda saerthaachu yaedho onnu aachuHands joined together, and something came to pass.
Kaathaadi pol aadum pennoda siru nenjuA young girl's tender heart sways like a kite,
Mudivaedhum theriyaama mogam thappi pochuWithout knowing any outcome, infatuation went astray.
Ammaadi… ee… ee…Oh my goodness… ee… ee…
Ammaadi oorellaam poli vaeshamOh dear, the whole town puts on a false disguise,
Aanaalum parithaapam yaedho paavamYet it is pitiful, somehow a pity.
Male
Vaadaadha rosaa poo… naan onnu paathaen…I saw an unfading rose flower...
Paadaadha sogathoda paattum paada kaettaenI heard a song sung with unsung sorrow.
Male
Vaadaadha rosaa poo… naan onnu paathaen…I saw an unfading rose flower...
Male
Kaathoda poyaachu ennoda baaramMy heavy burden has blown away with the wind,
Aathoda poyaachu en kaala naeramMy time and fate have washed away with the river.
Kaathoda poyaachu ennoda baaramMy heavy burden has blown away with the wind,
Kaavaeri neer maelae kanni potta kolamLike a pattern drawn by a maiden upon the waters of Kaveri.
Ammaadi… ee… ee…Oh my goodness… ee… ee…
Ammaadi koothaadi aadum aattamOh dear, the dance performed by the street dancer,
Ellaamae thappaachu yaengum naeramEverything went wrong, now is a time of longing.
Male
Vaadaadha rosaa poo… naan onnu paathaen…I saw an unfading rose flower...
Paadaadha sogathoda paattum paada kaettaenI heard a song sung with unsung sorrow.
Male
Vaadaadha rosaa poo… naan onnu paathaen…I saw an unfading rose flower...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Gramathu Athiyayam' (1980) expresses melancholic reflections on innocence, heartbreak, and life's unpredictable nature. The singer metaphorically compares a young woman to an unfading rose flower and her fluttering, delicate heart to a kite swaying in the breeze, illustrating how helpless passion can go astray without foresight. The lyrics critique the hypocrisy of the world, describing townspeople who wear false disguises. Metaphors like drawing a pattern (kolam) on flowing river water depict the futility and transience of human hopes and efforts, leaving behind a poignant sense of yearning and sorrow.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uwamai)

Kaathaadi pol aadum pennoda siru nenju

Compares the delicate and unstable emotions of a young girl's heart to a kite ('kaathaadi pol') fluttering in the wind.

Metaphor (Uruvagham)

Vaadaadha rosaa poo… naan onnu paathaen…

Refers to a pure, tender young woman as an unfading rose flower ('vaadaadha rosaa poo').

Second-Letter Rhyme (Edhugai)

Kaathoda poyaachu ennoda baaram / Aathoda poyaachu en kaala naeram

The second consonant sound 'th' rhymes between 'Kaathoda' and 'Aathoda'.

Visual Imagery & Metaphor

Kaavaeri neer maelae kanni potta kolam

Draws a vivid picture of impermanence by comparing lost efforts or love to a rangoli/kolam pattern drawn on flowing river water.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Gramathu Athiyayam' (1980) was directed by C. Rudhraiya, best known for his avant-garde film 'Aval Appadithan'. The soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by his brother Gangai Amaran. This song captures a classic late-70s/early-80s rural acoustic feel characteristic of Ilaiyaraaja's rustic compositions.

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