- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, Swarnalatha
- Music director
- Sankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Idhaya Thamarai
- Movie release year
- 1990
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Jun 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Yedho Mayakkam' from the movie Idhaya Thamarai (1990) is a playful and sensual romantic duet penned by Vairamuthu. It describes the irresistible physical attraction and intoxicating feeling of love between a young couple. Through vibrant folk imagery—such as mountain breezes, swaying birds, and ticklish sensations compared to crabs crawling inside—the song captures the euphoric excitement of youth and blooming desire. The emotional narrative unfolds as a playful banter between the lovers. The male lead eagerly pursues intimacy, arguing that youth and passion know no boundaries or waiting periods, while the female lead teasingly tries to uphold modesty before marriage. Ultimately, their shared passion overcomes hesitation, celebrating the sweet, untamed rush of romance.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethugai (Second-letter rhyming)
“Yedho mayakkam / Ennamo nerukkam”
The second letter 'ya' (represented by 'ya'/'nna' stress pattern in Tamil prosody) pairs rhythmic cadence between 'mayakkam' and 'nerukkam'.
Ethugai (Second-letter rhyming)
“Adi padikkira vayasukkum / Thudikkira vayasukkum”
The second consonant 'da' (ட) is repeated across 'padikkira' and 'thudikkira', creating internal rhythm.
Monai (First-letter rhyming)
“Pacha mala kaathu veesudhu / Pathinikku lesaa koosudhu”
The initial letter sound 'Pa' (ப) matches in 'Pacha' and 'Pathinikku'.
Metaphor / Visceral Imagery
“Ullukulla nandoorudhu”
Literally translating to 'crabs crawling inside', this imagery serves as a vivid metaphor for the nervous, ticklish butterflies felt during intense romantic excitement.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Yedho Mayakkam' features in the 1990 Tamil romantic drama film 'Idhaya Thamarai', directed by K. Rajeshwar and starring Karthik and Revathi. The soundtrack for the film was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, featuring playback singing by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and S. Janaki. Lyricist Vairamuthu infused rural Tamil idioms and evocative folk imagery to highlight the youthful energy of the lead characters.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Idhaya Thamarai
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.