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Poottatha Poottukkal album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Nenjukkulle Aasa Vantha

From Poottatha Poottukkal · 1980

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Poottatha Poottukkal
Movie release year
1980
Lyrics added on
18 Oct 2021

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Nenjukullae aasai vandha
Mannaa mavannaa ramasivanae
Kanda kanda pakkamellaam en dhuraiyae
Kannirandum poga vidathae
Kanda kanda pakkam ellam en dhuraiyae
Kannirandum poga vidathae
Mogam vandhu theendum bothilae
Paarathathai paarkka sollumae
Kaaval thaandi poga sollumae
Mogam vandhu theendum bothilae
Paarathathai paarkka sollumae
Kaaval thaandi poga sollumae
Ooraan veettu thottathilae nee nozhanja
Oorukkellam terinju pogumae
Un maanam sandhaiyilae vithu pogumae
Nenjukullae aasai vandha
Mannaa mavannaa ramasivanae
Kanda kanda pakkamellaam en dhuraiyae
Kannirandum poga vidathae
Ezhuthinaven yetta keduthaan
Padichavano patta keduthaan
Naanum sonnen ketta kelunga
Ezhuthinaven yetta keduthaan
Padichavano patta keduthaan
Naanum sonnen ketta kelunga
Anubavathai solli vechen
Adha ketta aasai pakkam paarkaadhaiyaa
Adhanaalae alavu meeri pogathinga
Nenjukullae aasai vandha
Mannaa mavannaa ramasivanae
Kanda kanda pakkamellaam en dhuraiyae
Kannirandum poga vidathae
Kondavano thoongivittaan
Vandhavanoo paarthukittaan
Engae yaarai kutham solluven
Azhagazhaga poovai kandaa
Adhai parkka yaaruku than aasai varadhu
Suvai paarkka evanukku thaan vegam varathu
Nenjukullae aasai vandha
Mannaa mavannaa ramasivanae
Kanda kanda pakkamellaam en dhuraiyae
Kannirandum poga vidathae
Kanda kanda pakkam ellam en dhuraiyae
Kannirandum poga vidathae
En dhuraiyae
Kannirandum poga vidathae
When desire rises in the heart,
O king, my dear Ramasivan,
To every direction and place, my lord,
Do not let your two eyes wander.
To every direction and place, my lord,
Do not let your two eyes wander.
When passion comes and touches you,
It makes you look at what you shouldn't see,
It urges you to cross forbidden boundaries.
When passion comes and touches you,
It makes you look at what you shouldn't see,
It urges you to cross forbidden boundaries.
If you step into another man's garden,
The whole village will find out,
And your honor will be sold in the marketplace.
When desire rises in the heart,
O king, my dear Ramasivan,
To every direction and place, my lord,
Do not let your two eyes wander.
The writer ruined the scroll,
The scholar ruined the deed,
I have given my advice; listen if you wish.
The writer ruined the scroll,
The scholar ruined the deed,
I have given my advice; listen if you wish.
I have shared what life has taught me;
If you heed it, do not turn towards temptation, sir.
So please do not go beyond your limits.
When desire rises in the heart,
O king, my dear Ramasivan,
To every direction and place, my lord,
Do not let your two eyes wander.
The husband fell fast asleep,
While the visitor kept staring;
Where and whom can I blame?
When one sees such lovely flowers,
Who wouldn't desire to gaze at them?
Who wouldn't rush to taste them?
When desire rises in the heart,
O king, my dear Ramasivan,
To every direction and place, my lord,
Do not let your two eyes wander.
To every direction and place, my lord,
Do not let your two eyes wander.
My lord,
Do not let your two eyes wander.
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This classic folk-infused track from Poottatha Poottukkal (1980) serves as a cautionary warning about temptation, marital infidelity, and moral restraint. Sung from the perspective of an experienced narrator or voice of wisdom, the song warns a man against letting his eyes and desires wander toward forbidden relationships. It highlights how lust misleads human discretion, urging individuals to breach social boundaries and trespass into forbidden territory, which ultimately leads to public shame and loss of dignity. The lyrics use vivid folk proverbs and metaphors—such as entering another man's garden or a sleeping husband—to illustrate the real-world consequences of unbridled lust. It acknowledges that human nature is naturally drawn to beauty, like a flower, but strongly advises maintaining self-control and staying within one's bounds to protect self-respect and household honor.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

“Ezhuthinaven yetta keduthaan / Padichavano patta keduthaan”

The second consonant 'dh' matches across consecutive lines, creating rhythmic harmony.

Moonaai (First letter alliteration)

“Kanda kanda pakkamellaam en dhuraiyae”

Alliteration of the initial consonant sound 'K' in repeated phrases.

Metaphor (Uvamaai)

“Ooraan veettu thottathilae nee nozhanja”

Entering another man's garden serves as a metaphor for secret illicit affairs.

Proverb usage (Pazhamozhi)

“Ezhuthinaven yetta keduthaan / Padichavano patta keduthaan”

Incorporation of folk wisdom and proverbs emphasizing how unchecked indulgence leads to downfall.

Did you know?

Trivia

Poottatha Poottukkal (1980), directed by Mahendran, is known for its bold thematic exploration of marital dynamics and infidelity. The music by Ilaiyaraaja brilliantly captures rural folk nuances, and S. Janaki's vocal delivery gives this cautionary song an unforgettable rustic authenticity.

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