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Lyrics & meaning

Nethili Kozhambirukku

From Ponnu Pudichirukku · 1984

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singer
Janaki
Music director
Chandrabose
Details
Ponnu Pudichirukku1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
……………....
Female
Neththili kozhambirukkuThere is anchovy fish curry,
Neththu vachcha sorirukku raththiri neraththulaThere is leftover rice cooked yesterday, in the night time,
Mmm unga aasa theera nanaananaaMmm, to satisfy all your desires, tra-la-la...
Neththili kozhambirukkuThere is anchovy fish curry,
Neththu vachcha sorirukku raththiri neraththulaThere is leftover rice cooked yesterday, in the night time,
Aahaa haa unga aasa theera nanaananaaAahaa haa, to satisfy all your desires, tra-la-la...
Aahaahaah ahhahaa…..Aahaahaah ahhahaa…..
Female
Thekku seemai pattu paaduSinging the silk-smooth song of the Southern region,
Selam jillaa aattam paaryLook at the lively dance of Salem district!
Ellorukkum sonthakkaari naanungaI belong to everyone, my good sirs,
Sonnaa kelungaListen to what I say!
Female
Intha ponnukkillaa bodhaiThe high that this girl possesses,
Antha kallukkedhunga aahaahDoes that toddy liquor even have it? Aahaah!
Kanni ponnunga enna paarungaYou young folks, look at me,
Mogam theerunga…aaa….aaa…..Quench your desires... aaa.... aaa.....
Female
Neththili kozhambirukkuThere is anchovy fish curry,
Neththu vachcha sorirukku raththiri neraththulaThere is leftover rice cooked yesterday, in the night time,
Mmm unga aasa theera nanaananaaMmm, to satisfy all your desires, tra-la-la...
Female
Kaattukkulla thenirukkuThere is honey inside the forest,
Vettaiyaada maanirukkuThere is a deer waiting to be hunted,
Aasaiyulla maappillainga varalaamEager grooms can come forward,
Ennai thodalaamThey are welcome to touch me,
Female
Kaiyil rokkamulla pulliyellaamAll the big shots with cash in hand,
Alli tharalaam hae haeCan shower money generously, hae hae!
Melam kottaama thaali kattaamaWithout beating wedding drums, without tying the sacred thread,
Female
Neththili kozhambirukkuThere is anchovy fish curry,
Neththu vachcha sorirukku raththiri neraththulaThere is leftover rice cooked yesterday, in the night time,
Mmm unga aasa theera nanaananaaMmm, to satisfy all your desires, tra-la-la...
Neththili kozhambirukkuThere is anchovy fish curry,
Neththu vachcha sorirukku raththiri neraththulaThere is leftover rice cooked yesterday, in the night time,
Aahaa haa unga aasa theera nanaananaaAahaa haa, to satisfy all your desires, tra-la-la...
Aahaahaah ahhahaa…..Aahaahaah ahhahaa…..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Ponnu Pudichirukku' (1984) is a flirtatious and seductive folk-item number performed at night. The dancer uses vivid sensory metaphors—such as spicy anchovy curry ('Neththili kozhambu') paired with overnight fermented rice ('Neththu vachcha soru')—to entice her audience and invite them to enjoy her performance and presence.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyming / Alliteration)

Neththili kozhambirukku / Neththu vachcha sorirukku

Repetition of the initial sound 'Neth-' in consecutive lines creates a rhythmic acoustic harmony.

Metaphor

Kaattukkulla thenirukku / Vettaiyaada maanirukku

Comparing personal charm and romantic intrigue to 'honey in the forest' and a 'deer to hunt'.

Hyperbole

Intha ponnukkillaa bodhai / Antha kallukkedhunga

Exaggerating her allure by claiming her presence is more intoxicating than fermented toddy liquor.

Did you know?

Trivia

Music director Chandrabose was renowned in the 1980s Tamil film industry for delivering earthy, folk-infused melodies. In this track, playback legend S. Janaki showcases her remarkable vocal modulation, infusing playful rustic slang into Muthulingam's lyrics. The dish mentioned, 'Neththu vachcha soru' (overnight fermented rice) paired with fish curry, is a quintessential Tamil rural comfort meal.

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