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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vanji Idhu Vanji

From Thaaliya Salangaiya · 1977

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Thaaliya Salangaiya1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Humming…..(Humming)
Male
Vanji idhu vanji mayanguvathen anjiThis maiden, O maiden, why is she swooning in fear?
Valai kuunga varalo mazhalaiyilae konjiWill she come like a cooing parrot, lisping sweetly like a child?
Vanji idhu vanji mayanguvathen anjiThis maiden, O maiden, why is she swooning in fear?
Valai kuunga varalo mazhalaiyilae konjiWill she come like a cooing parrot, lisping sweetly like a child?
Vanji idhu vanjiThis maiden, O maiden
Male
Angamo thangaradham aaduvatho nooru vidhamHer body is a golden chariot, dancing in a hundred mesmerising ways
Angamo thangaradham aaduvatho nooru vidhamHer body is a golden chariot, dancing in a hundred mesmerising ways
Aadharamattra idai asaindhu varum naagapadamHer waist, lacking support, sways like the hood of a cobra
Aadharamattra idai asaindhu varum naagapadamHer waist, lacking support, sways like the hood of a cobra
Male
Vanji idhu vanji mayanguvathen anjiThis maiden, O maiden, why is she swooning in fear?
Valai kuunga varalo mazhalaiyilae konjiWill she come like a cooing parrot, lisping sweetly like a child?
Vanji idhu vanjiThis maiden, O maiden
Male
Saaranga puruvam idhu sarasakala saalaiyidhuHer eyebrows are like a curved bow; she is an academy of sensual arts
Santhosam enbatharkkae thani vilakkam kooruvadhuShe defines happiness itself with her exquisite essence
Saaranga puruvam idhu sarasakala saalaiyidhuHer eyebrows are like a curved bow; she is an academy of sensual arts
Santhosam enbatharkkae thani vilakkam kooruvadhuShe defines happiness itself with her exquisite essence
Male
Vanji idhu vanji mayanguvathen anjiThis maiden, O maiden, why is she swooning in fear?
Valai kuunga varalo mazhalaiyilae konjiWill she come like a cooing parrot, lisping sweetly like a child?
Vanji idhu vanjiThis maiden, O maiden
Male
Vaazhaikkal mandabathilIn a hall supported by plantain pillars
Vadithu vaitha kinnamidhuShe is like a finely crafted goblet
Vaazhaikkal mandabathilIn a hall supported by plantain pillars
Vadithu vaitha kinnamidhuShe is like a finely crafted goblet
Maanika siragil ennaiWith wings of ruby, she is a swan
Maraithu kollum annamidhuThat hides me within her embrace
Male
Vanji idhu vanji mayanguvathen anjiThis maiden, O maiden, why is she swooning in fear?
Valai kuunga varalo mazhalaiyilae konjiWill she come like a cooing parrot, lisping sweetly like a child?
Vanji idhu vanjiThis maiden, O maiden
Male
Kangalo naaval pazhamHer eyes are dark like jamun berries
Kaniyidhazho kovaipazhamHer ripe lips are red like ivy gourds
Kattodu naan anaikkaFor me to embrace tightly in passion
Kaaman thandha thangakudamShe is a golden pot gifted by Lord Kamadeva
Kangalo naaval pazhamHer eyes are dark like jamun berries
Kaniyidhazho kovaipazhamHer ripe lips are red like ivy gourds
Kattodu naan anaikkaFor me to embrace tightly in passion
Kaaman thandha thangakudamShe is a golden pot gifted by Lord Kamadeva
Male
Thendral thaan ivaludalaiOnly the gentle breeze has touched her body
Theendiyadhu idhu varaiyilUntil this moment in time
Thendral thaan ivaludalaiOnly the gentle breeze has touched her body
Theendiyadhu idhu varaiyilUntil this moment in time
Selaigal ival azhagaiOnly her sarees have veiled her divine beauty
Moodiyadhu adhu varaiyilUntil this day
Male
Endru naan sooduvadhoWhen will I adorn her as my bride
Iniya malar manavaraiyilIn the sweet, flower-adorned wedding dais?
Andru naan rasithiruppenOn that day, I shall relish and admire
Aval azhagai thaniyaraiyilHer divine beauty inside our private chamber
Male
Vanji idhu vanji mayanguvathen anjiThis maiden, O maiden, why is she swooning in fear?
Valai kuunga varalo mazhalaiyilae konjiWill she come like a cooing parrot, lisping sweetly like a child?
Vanji idhu vanji…haa..aa.hoo..oo.oo..lalalalala la la la…This maiden, O maiden... (Vocalizations)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic Tamil track composed by K. V. Mahadevan and written by Kannadasan expresses a lover's romantic admiration and longing for his timid beloved. The protagonist marvels at the physical beauty, grace, and innocence of the maiden ('Vanji'), comparing her to classical idealisations such as a golden chariot, a swan, and a divine gift from Kamadeva. He addresses her gentle fear and looks forward to the day of their union at the wedding mandapam.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor & Simile

Angamo thangaradham aaduvatho nooru vidham

Comparing the maiden's body to a golden chariot ('Angamo thangaradham') and her waist to a cobra hood ('naagapadam').

Mogana / Rhyme & Alliteration (Emoni/Monai)

Vanji idhu vanji mayanguvathen anji

Usage of matching initial consonants 'Va' in 'Vanji', 'Valai', and alliterative patterns throughout the refrain.

Traditional Imagery (Upameya)

Kangalo naaval pazham Kaniyidhazho kovaipazham

Classical Tamil poetic imagery comparing lips to Kovai fruit ('Kaniyidhazho kovaipazham') and eyes to Jamun fruit ('naaval pazham').

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is from the 1977 film 'Thaaliya Salangaiya', featuring music by legendary composer K. V. Mahadevan and rendition by K. J. Yesudas. Kannadasan's lyrics employ traditional Sangam-style imagery adapted for classical film music.

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