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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Manjal Poosum Manjal Poosum

From Sakkarai Devan · 1993

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Sakkarai Devan1993

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Manjal poosum manjal poosum vanji poonkodiThe delicate creeper vine smeared with turmeric paste,
Konji pesi konji pesi konjum paingiliThe sweet green parrot that prattles affectionately,
Vaasa poovin thaenae vanna nilaavae maanaeHoney from fragrant flowers, colorful moon, gentle deer,
Kaaval yaedhu kattukkal yaedhu kaattaaru paayum pothuWhere is the guard or restriction when a wild river rushes wild and free?
Male
Manjal poosum manjal poosum vanji poonkodiThe delicate creeper vine smeared with turmeric paste,
Konji pesi konji pesi konjum paingiliThe sweet green parrot that prattles affectionately,
Female
Nee illaathu niththirai yaedhuWithout you, where is sleep for me?
Paayil vaadum paingiliThe sweet parrot fades away on the sleeping mat.
Nee irunthaal chiththirai koodaIf you are present, even the hot month of Chithirai
Vaadai veesum maargazhiTurns into cool Maargazhi with chilly breezes.
Male
Nee ilaathu niththirai yaedhuWithout you, where is sleep for me?
Paayil vaadum paingiliThe sweet parrot fades away on the sleeping mat.
Nee irunthaal chiththirai koodaIf you are present, even the hot month of Chithirai
Vaadai veesum maargazhiTurns into cool Maargazhi with chilly breezes.
Female
Maadham thethi paarththu kadhal pookkaathuLove does not blossom by looking at the month or date,
Neerai meenum sera oorai ketkaathuA fish joining the water does not seek permission from the village,
Male
Paruva raagam paada pudhiya kolam podaTo sing the melody of youth and draw new auspicious patterns,
Aadhi antham anaiththumFrom beginning to end, everything,
Sontham neengaathu koodumpothuOur bond never diminishes when we unite.
Female
Manjal poosum manjal poosum vanji poongodiThe delicate creeper vine smeared with turmeric paste,
Konji pesi konji pesi konjum painkiliThe sweet green parrot that prattles affectionately,
Vaasa poovin thaenae vanna nilaavae maanaeHoney from fragrant flowers, colorful moon, gentle deer,
Kaaval yaedhu kattukkal yaedhu kaattaaru paayum pothuWhere is the guard or restriction when a wild river rushes wild and free?
Female
Manjal poosum manjal poosum vanji poongodiThe delicate creeper vine smeared with turmeric paste,
Male
Naalu perkal kann padakkoodumPeople's envious eyes might cast an evil gaze,
Neeyum naanum koodinaalIf you and I come together,
Raaja yogam kai varum indruA royal fortune will come into my hands today,
Tholil thogai aadinaalIf the peacock-like lady dances on my shoulders.
Female
Naalu perkal kann padakkoodumPeople's envious eyes might cast an evil gaze,
Neeyum naanum koodinaalIf you and I come together,
Raaja yogam kai varum indruA royal fortune will come into my hands today,
Tholil thogai aadinaalIf the peacock-like lady dances on my shoulders.
Male
Devan enthan jeevan devi unnoduOh God, my life lies with you, my goddess,
Maanin kaalgal pogum maman pinnoduThe legs of this deer-like girl follow her maternal uncle,
Female
Vaazhum naatgal yaavumAll the remaining days I live,
Unnudan vaazha vendumI want to live them only with you,
Sontham endru panthangal endruAs my kin and as my loving bond,
Neeyindri yaarum illaiThere is no one else besides you.
Male
Manjal poosum manjal poosum vanji poongodiThe delicate creeper vine smeared with turmeric paste,
Female :Konji pesi konji pesi konjum paingiliFemale: The sweet green parrot that prattles affectionately,
Male :Vaasa poovin thaenae vanna nilaavae maanaeMale: Honey from fragrant flowers, colorful moon, gentle deer,
Female :Kaaval yaedhu kattukkal yaedhu kaattaaru paayum pothuFemale: Where is the guard or restriction when a wild river rushes wild and free?
Female
Manjal poosum manjal poosum vanji poongodiThe delicate creeper vine smeared with turmeric paste,
Male :Konji pesi konji pesi konjum paingiliMale: The sweet green parrot that prattles affectionately.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic duet from Sakkarai Devan expresses the deep passion, warmth, and unconditional togetherness shared between two lovers. The male protagonist compares his beloved to a turmeric-smeared golden vine, a prattling parrot, and a gentle deer, describing how her presence turns even the scorching heat of summer (Chithirai) into a soothing winter breeze (Maargazhi). In response, the female protagonist asserts that true love knows no boundaries or calendar dates, comparing their natural bond to a fish finding its way to water without needing approval.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Repetition for emphasis)

Manjal poosum manjal poosum vanji poonkodi

The deliberate repetition of words like 'Manjal poosum' and 'Konji pesi' enhances the rhythm and expresses fondness.

Uvamai (Metaphor)

Vaasa poovin thaenae vanna nilaavae maanae

Comparing the female lover to a flower's nectar (thaen), a colorful moon (vanna nila), and a deer (maan).

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

Maadham thethi paarththu kadhal pookkaathu

Rhyming of second letters across adjacent lines ('Maadham' / 'Neerai').

Contrast / Imagery

Nee irunthaal chiththirai kooda / Vaadai veesum maargazhi

Juxtaposition of the hot summer month (Chithirai) with the chilly winter wind (Vaadai veesum maargazhi) to portray how love alters perception.

Did you know?

Trivia

Sakkarai Devan (1993) featured music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, starring Vijayakanth and Sukanya. The song showcases a blend of traditional folk rhythm with rich orchestral arrangements characteristic of Ilaiyaraaja's 90s rural soundtrack style, sung by the legendary duo Malaysia Vasudevan and S. Janaki.

Keep listening

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