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Lyrics & meaning

Nenjukkulle Aasa Vantha

From Poottatha Poottukkal · 1980

Lyricist
Panchu Arunachalam
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Poottatha Poottukkal1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Nenjukullae aasai vandhaWhen desire arises inside the heart,
Mannaa mavannaa ramasivanaeOh my lord, my master, Rama Sivan!
Kanda kanda pakkamellaam en dhuraiyaeIn every direction you look, my lord,
Kannirandum poga vidathaeDo not let your two eyes wander.
Kanda kanda pakkam ellam en dhuraiyaeIn every direction you look, my lord,
Kannirandum poga vidathaeDo not let your two eyes wander.
Female
Mogam vandhu theendum bothilaeWhen lust touches you,
Paarathathai paarkka sollumaeIt urges you to look at forbidden things,
Kaaval thaandi poga sollumaeIt urges you to cross moral boundaries.
Mogam vandhu theendum bothilaeWhen lust touches you,
Paarathathai paarkka sollumaeIt urges you to look at forbidden things,
Kaaval thaandi poga sollumaeIt urges you to cross moral boundaries.
Ooraan veettu thottathilae nee nozhanjaIf you trespass into another person's garden,
Oorukkellam terinju pogumaeThe entire town will eventually know about it;
Un maanam sandhaiyilae vithu pogumaeYour honor will be sold off in the public market.
Female
Nenjukullae aasai vandhaWhen desire arises inside the heart,
Mannaa mavannaa ramasivanaeOh my lord, my master, Rama Sivan!
Kanda kanda pakkamellaam en dhuraiyaeIn every direction you look, my lord,
Kannirandum poga vidathaeDo not let your two eyes wander.
Female
Ezhuthinaven yetta keduthaanThe writer ruined the palm leaf manuscript,
Padichavano patta keduthaanThe educated one ruined the learned title,
Naanum sonnen ketta kelungaI am warning you too, listen carefully,
Ezhuthinaven yetta keduthaanThe writer ruined the palm leaf manuscript,
Padichavano patta keduthaanThe educated one ruined the learned title,
Naanum sonnen ketta kelungaI am warning you too, listen carefully,
Anubavathai solli vechenI have shared my real experience with you,
Adha ketta aasai pakkam paarkaadhaiyaaHaving heard it, do not lean towards temptation, sir,
Adhanaalae alavu meeri pogathingaTherefore, do not cross your limits.
Female
Nenjukullae aasai vandhaWhen desire arises inside the heart,
Mannaa mavannaa ramasivanaeOh my lord, my master, Rama Sivan!
Kanda kanda pakkamellaam en dhuraiyaeIn every direction you look, my lord,
Kannirandum poga vidathaeDo not let your two eyes wander.
Female
Kondavano thoongivittaanThe husband slept peacefully,
Vandhavanoo paarthukittaanThe stranger took advantage and watched,
Engae yaarai kutham solluvenWhere and whom can I blame now?
Azhagazhaga poovai kandaaWhen seeing a beautiful flower,
Adhai parkka yaaruku than aasai varadhuWho wouldn't desire to admire it?
Suvai paarkka evanukku thaan vegam varathuWho wouldn't rush to taste its sweetness?
Female
Nenjukullae aasai vandhaWhen desire arises inside the heart,
Mannaa mavannaa ramasivanaeOh my lord, my master, Rama Sivan!
Kanda kanda pakkamellaam en dhuraiyaeIn every direction you look, my lord,
Kannirandum poga vidathaeDo not let your two eyes wander.
Kanda kanda pakkam ellam en dhuraiyaeIn every direction you look, my lord,
Kannirandum poga vidathaeDo not let your two eyes wander.
En dhuraiyaeMy lord,
Kannirandum poga vidathaeDo not let your two eyes wander.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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Nenjukkulle Aasa Vantha Lyrics | English Translation | Meaning | Isaimozhi