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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Varaverpu Varaverpu

From Rowdy Rakkamma · 1977

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
Seerkazhi Govindarajan, P. Susheela
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Rowdy Rakkamma1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Varaverppu varaverppu varaverppuWelcome, welcome, welcome!
Male
Virumbi azhaiththu thirumana veettarWith affection, the bride and groom's families invite,
Virunthugal vaikkum varaverppuHosting a grand feast of welcome.
Virumbi azhaiththu thirumana veettarWith affection, the bride and groom's families invite,
Virunthugal vaikkum varaverppuHosting a grand feast of welcome.
Female
Thirumbum thisaiyellaam manjal kungumaIn every direction turned, auspicious turmeric and vermilion,
Thirumugam azhaikkum varaverppuOn radiant faces inviting you in welcome.
Thirumbum thisaiyellaam manjal kungumaIn every direction turned, auspicious turmeric and vermilion,
Thirumugam azhaikkum varaverppuOn radiant faces inviting you in welcome.
Female
Iru karam kooppi varupavarkellaamFolding both hands together for all who arrive,
Male :In mugam kaattum varaverppuMale: Showing a pleasant face in welcome.
Both :Inba thirumana varaverppuBoth: A joyful wedding reception welcome.
Eththanai eththanai varaverppuHow many, how many kinds of welcomes!
Eththanai eththanai varaverppuHow many, how many kinds of welcomes!
Male
Muttaalum sabhaiyil mudhalidam peruvathuEven a fool gaining the top spot in an assembly,
Thuttukku kidaikkum varaverppuIs the welcome accorded to wealth and money.
Muttaalum sabhaiyil mudhalidam peruvathuEven a fool gaining the top spot in an assembly,
Thuttukku kidaikkum varaverppuIs the welcome accorded to wealth and money.
Female
Suttaalum sangu veluppaai iruppathuEven when burnt, a conch shell remains pure white;
Thooimaikku kidaikkum varaverppuSuch is the welcome accorded to purity of heart.
Suttaalum sangu veluppaai iruppathuEven when burnt, a conch shell remains pure white;
Thooimaikku kidaikkum varaverppuSuch is the welcome accorded to purity of heart.
Female
Manamagalukku manamagan kidaikkaFor the bride to find her rightful groom,
Vazhangum moola varaverppuIs the primary welcome granted.
Manamagalukku manamagan kidaikkaFor the bride to find her rightful groom,
Vazhangum moola varaverppuIs the primary welcome granted.
Male
Vandai azhaikka idhazhai virikkumOpening its petals to invite the bee,
Malarin yeavana varaverppuIs the youthful welcome of a blossom.
Vandai azhaikka idhazhai virikkumOpening its petals to invite the bee,
Malarin yeavana varaverppuIs the youthful welcome of a blossom.
Male
Sendra irupathai arupathu vayathilumRemembering even at the age of sixty the twenties that have passed,
Sinthiththu vaikkum varaverppuIs a thoughtful, reflective welcome.
Sendra irupathai arupathu vayathilumRemembering even at the age of sixty the twenties that have passed,
Sinthiththu vaikkum varaverppuIs a thoughtful, reflective welcome.
Female
Vaazhvil saernthida pogum pala jodigalaiBringing together many couples who are destined to unite in life,
Santhikka vaikkum varaverppuIs a welcome that causes hearts to meet.
Vaazhvil saernthida pogum pala jodigalaiBringing together many couples who are destined to unite in life,
Santhikka vaikkum varaverppuIs a welcome that causes hearts to meet.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song explores the multi-faceted concept of 'Varaverppu' (welcome or reception) both in the context of a traditional wedding and broader social life. Lyricist Vaali uses the central theme of a wedding invitation to comment on the various forms of receptions in society—ranging from the genuine, warm hospitality of family to the artificial respect money commands, and the eternal reverence reserved for purity and truth.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Muttaalum sabhaiyil mudhalidam peruvathu

The second letter similarity ('t') between 'Muttaalum' and 'Thuttukku' creates a rhythmic sonic harmony characteristic of Tamil poetry.

Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)

Eththanai eththanai varaverppu

The repetition of 'Eththanai' highlights the vast variety and nature of welcomes existing in the world.

Metaphor / Simile

Suttaalum sangu veluppaai iruppathu

The comparison of a conch retaining its whiteness even when burnt serves as an analogy for unyielding integrity and moral purity.

Personification

Vandai azhaikka idhazhai virikkum

The flower unfolding its petals to welcome a bee is personified as a youthful host extending hospitality.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by the musical duo Shankar-Ganesh with lyrics by Vaali, this song features the iconic vocals of veteran singers Seerkazhi Govindarajan and P. Susheela. It ingeniously transforms a standard cinematic wedding song into a philosophical commentary on social values.

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