- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Muthal Mariyathai
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Jan 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This playful folk song represents a traditional banter and romantic exchange (Nattupura Paattu) between a man and a group of village women led by his beloved. Through metaphorical references to climbing mountains, ripening jujube fruits, and answering melodies across fields, the male protagonist teasingly flirts and tries to gauge the woman's feelings for him.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Elumicham kannugalaa / Enjottu ponnugalaa”
Matching initial vowel sounds 'E' (Elumicham / Enjottu) create melodic harmony.
Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Yeratha mala mela / Elantha pazhamirukku”
Matching second consonant sounds 'ra' and 'la' (or root structural rhythm) establishing standard Tamil folk rhyming structure.
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Elumicham kannugalaa”
Metaphorically comparing bright, vibrant eyes of village girls to fresh lemons.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Ododi naan vanthiruppen / Oda pakkam poiyiruppom”
Repetitive ending verb forms ('vanthiruppen', 'poiyiruppom') building rhythm at the end of lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
Muthal Mariyathai (1985) is a landmark rural drama directed by Bharathiraja, starring Sivaji Ganesan and Radha. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vairamuthu. The soundtrack is acclaimed for its authentic Tamil folk roots, featuring rustic field songs and traditional call-and-response folk structures.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Muthal Mariyathai
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.