G. V. Prakash Kumar’s ‘Siren’ album features Anthony Daasan and Sinduri Vishal on ‘Adi Aathi.’ Lyricist Murugan Manthiram shapes a communal celebration of female transition. Folk instrumentation underscores collective pride.
Released: February 8, 2024
Adi Aathi
Anthony Daasan | G. V. Prakash • From “Siren”
Adi Aathi Lyrics Translation (from “Siren”)
Murugan Manthiram’s lines like ‘Set fire to traditions’ reject menstrual taboos. G. V. Prakash’s composition frames womanhood as divine creation. The track balances protective counsel with bold independence.
Chinna Mottu Onnu PoothuA tiny bud has bloomed.
Ippam Vetkapadum JoruIt’s blushing with such intensity now.
Vanna Pottu VechuWearing a colorful ‘bindi’ on her brow,
Poovu Vechi Nikkuradha Paarulook at how she stands with flowers in her hair.
Vaazha Mara ThoranamaLike decorations of banana trees,
Vaasa Nada Paadhaingathe walking paths are fragrant.
Seer Varisa OorvalamaLike a parade of ceremonial gifts,
Sondham Bandham Serungaall you relatives should gather ’round.
Koodi Vaanga PonnungalaeCome together, all you girls.
Kolavaya Pottu AadungaMake the ‘ululation’ and dance!
Maadi Veedu Katti TharumAsk for a groom who’ll build you,
Maappilla Venumnnu Kelungaa grand multi-story house.
Palapalappum KoodichaDid your glow increase?
Minuminuppum YerichaaDid your radiance rise?
Kannadiyil Unna NeeyumWhen you look at yourself in the mirror,
Paakkira Appo Thonichaadid that thought occur to you?
Pathirama IrunthukkaKeep yourself safe.
Pakkuvama NadanthukkaConduct yourself with maturity.
Kanda Kannum Patta ThappuIt’s wrong if wandering eyes fall on you,
Kanmaniyae Yethukkaso accept this advice, my dear.
Kannathula PoothukkaLet it bloom upon your cheeks.
Adiyathi AdiyathiOh my, oh my!
Aalaana PaethiThe granddaughter has come of age.
Aagasamae Kannu VeikkaEven the sky is watching her,
Pongi Nirkkum Paruthilike a cotton bud bursting with life.
Adiyathi AdiyathiOh my, oh my!
Aalaana PaethiThe granddaughter has come of age.
Aagasamae Kannu VeikkaEven the sky is watching her,
Pongi Nirkkum Paruthilike a cotton bud bursting with life.
Ooradura Vaya KonjamTake those gossiping mouths,
Ulla Pootti Vaiyiand keep them locked away.
Valattura VelaiellamAll your mischievous games,
Vena Thalli Veyiyou should set them aside for now.
Kaaladura KolusukkuthaanFor the anklets jingling on your feet,
Pootha Kadha Sollutell a story that’s just bloomed.
Melaada Satta ThuniyaTell them to stitch your upper garment,
Loosa Theika Solluwith a comfortably loose fit.
Aagamotham NeeyumOverall, you’ve become,
Ippo Pombala Thaan Kaelua woman now, so listen.
Pothi Vechu PathukammaGuard yourself and be careful,
Mosamaana Oorufor this world can be wicked.
Istathukku Oora SuthuRoam the town as you please,
Kodathadi Rosuyou rose of the courtyard!
Satham Pottu PesadhadiDon’t speak too loudly,
Mellama Nee Pesuspeak with a gentle voice.
Ye Adiyathi AdiyathiOh my, oh my!
Valayalu Kulungura OosaThe sound of your bangles jingling,
Vaanatha Ettun Thaanwill surely reach the sky.
Thavani Podura AasaYour desire to wear a ‘half-saree’,
Naanatha Kootum Dawill only make you more shy.
Poove Unna PakkurappoWhen I look at you, little flower,
Pookuthamma Nenjumy heart begins to bloom.
Thaayum Vandhu Paathida ThaanMy eyes are yearning,
Yenguthamma Kannufor your mother to come and see you.
Saathiratha Solli UnnaThis town will try to lock you up,
Pootti Vaikkum Ooruby citing old traditions.
Yethukkadha Pennae NeeyumDon’t accept that, girl,
Edithu Kelvi Kelustand up and ask questions!
Unmaiyilae PenninamdhanIn truth, the female race,
Padaikkira Kadavulis the creator deity.
Aanakooda PombalathanEven a man must be,
Sumakanum Karuvilcarried in a woman’s womb.
Theetu Endru Thalli VaikkumThis ignorant town shuns you as ‘impure’,
Velayatha Oorubecause of your nature.
Saathiratha Kolli VechiSet fire to those outdated traditions,
Un Velaya Paaruand go about your business.
Adiyathi AdiyathiOh my, oh my!
Aalaana PaethiThe granddaughter has come of age.
Aagasamae Kannu VeikkaEven the sky is watching her,
Pongi Nirkkum Paruthilike a cotton bud bursting with life.
Palapalappum KoodichaHas your glow grown stronger?
Minuminuppum YerichaaHas your shimmer increased?
Kannadiyil Unna NeeyumAs you gaze at yourself in the mirror,
Paakkira Appo Thonichaadid you feel the change then?
Pathirama IrunthukkaRemain careful.
Pakkuvama NadanthukkaWalk with poise.
Kanda Kannum Patta ThappuIt’s risky if strange eyes notice you,
Kanmaniyae Yethukkaso heed this, my dear.
Kannathula PoothukkaLet a smile bloom on your face.
Kenda Kaalu KeluthiYour calves are sleek like a ‘catfish’,
Konda Potta Kolundhimy sister-in-law with your hair in a bun.
Ulagathu Per AzhagaThe one who gave birth to you,
Unna Petha Oruthiis the world’s greatest beauty.
Adiyathi AdiyathiOh my, oh my!
Ye Adiyathi AdiyathiHey, oh my, oh my!
Adi Aathi Music Video
The ‘Adi Aathi’ lyrics translation conveys community guidance mixed with calls to challenge restrictive customs. Southern percussion mirrors both ancestral wisdom and modern defiance against regressive norms.