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Lyrics & meaning

Mannaiyum Ponnaiyum

From Nadodi Pattukkaran · 1992

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Nadodi Pattukkaran1992

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Mannaiyum ponnaiyumWho gave us the soil and gold?
Koduththava yaaruWho is the one who gave them?
Unnaiyum ennaiyumWho protects both you and me?
Kaappava yaaruWho is the one protecting us?
Andha aaththaava dhinamWho sings daily of that Mother Goddess?
Paaduradhu yaaruWho is the one singing?
Paamaala katti poduradhu yaaruWho weaves and offers garlands of songs?
Oorellaam kondaadum aaluLook, he is the man celebrated by the whole town!
Avanthaandi ivanaanu paaruLook, he is indeed that very person!
Chorus
Mannaiyum ponnaiyumWho gave us the soil and gold?
Koduththava yaaruWho is the one who gave them?
Unnaiyum ennaiyumWho protects both you and me?
Kaappava yaaruWho is the one protecting us?
Male
Soodi kodutha sudar kodiyaeO glowing vine like Andal who offered worn garlands!
Eppodhum naan un sorppadiyaeI will always abide by your word.
Female :Paadi kodutha pudhu kaviyaeFemale: O new poet who composed songs for me!
En veedu naalum un madiyaeMy home every day is your lap.
Male
Koiyaama kaathaadumSwaying in the breeze without being plucked,
Koiyaavai polaadumSwaying like a guava fruit,
Maanae pani poonthaenaeO deer-like beloved, O cool flower honey!
Female
Ennaalum raakkaalamEvery night,
Naan soodum pookolamThe flower rangoli I adorn,
Ketkkum unai edhir paarkkumAsks for you and awaits you.
Male
Vandhan naanI have arrived,
Enai thandhen naanI have surrendered myself.
Female :Pudhu chendhaendhaanFemale: Will this new fresh honey
Unai chaeraadhoNot reach you?
Chorus
Mannaiyum ponnaiyumWho gave us the soil and gold?
Koduththava yaaruWho is the one who gave them?
Unnaiyum ennaiyumWho protects both you and me?
Kaappava yaaruWho is the one protecting us?
Female
Poo vachcha ponnuOnce a flower-adorned girl
Onnu nenachaalaeSets her mind on something,
Bhoomikkul achchamindriFearlessly on this earth,
MudippaalaeShe will complete it!
Yaaraachum munnae vandhuIf anyone comes forward
ThaduththaalaeAnd blocks her path,
Boogambam pola pongi azhippaalaeShe will erupt like an earthquake and destroy them!
Female
Poovaippol ponniruppaaShe will be like a golden flower
MadhichaalaeIf respected,
Mullaippol maariduvaaBut she will turn into a thorn
MoraichaalaeIf glared at or opposed!
Female
Kadalukku karayai kattaDo not try to build a shore for the sea,
PaakkaadhaeDo not attempt it!
Thari kettu thavari kettuDo not talk recklessly
PesaadhaeWithout control!
Female
Mangammaa raaniyappolaLike Queen Mangammal,
Engammaa peththu pottaalaeMy mother gave birth to me!
Thekku cheemai ponnu anja maattaaA girl from the southern territory knows no fear!
Female
Kombuthaen unakkedhukkuWhy do you crave honey from high branches,
Kittaadha mudavanukkuLike a crippled person reaching for unreachable honey?
Oththukkollu oththi nillu maamaaAccept it and step aside, uncle!
Sonnaa iva seinju mudippaaIf she says it, she will get it done!
Sonnaa iva seinju mudippaa……..If she says it, she will get it done!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Nadodi Pattukkaran' begins with folk-infused reverence for the divine Mother Goddess who sustains all life on earth, while honoring the itinerant singer who weaves poetic garlands in her praise. It transitions into a romantic exchange where lovers express deep adoration and devotion to each other using classical and mythological imagery. As the song progresses, it transforms into a bold assertion of female strength, self-worth, and regional pride. The heroine likens her resolve to the legendary Queen Mangammal and southern heritage, warning that while she is soft as a flower when respected, she can erupt like an earthquake or turn sharp as thorns against those who try to impede or disrespect her.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Boogambam pola pongi azhippaalae / Poovaippol ponniruppaa / Mullaippol maariduvaa

Compares the anger and duality of the heroine's nature to earthquakes, flowers, and thorns depending on how she is treated.

Allusion & Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Soodi kodutha sudar kodiyae

Refers to Andal ('Soodi Kodutha Sudar Kodi'), the famous Tamil Vaishnavite saint-poet who offered flower garlands to the lord after wearing them.

Proverb / Folk Idiom

Kombuthaen unakkedhukku kittaadha mudavanukku

Uses the traditional Tamil proverb about a crippled person reaching for honey on a tall branch ('Kittaadha mudavan kombuthaenukku aasaippaduvadhubol') to mock unrealistic desire.

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Koduththava yaaru / Kaappava yaaru

Rhyming of second consonant letters in adjacent lines, a staple feature of traditional Tamil prosody.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali for the 1992 film 'Nadodi Pattukkaran', the song features rich cultural references including the deity worship typical of Tamil folk tradition, Vaishnavite devotional lore (Andal), and historical pride referencing Queen Rani Mangammal of the Madurai Nayak dynasty.

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