Nethu Madhuraiyile
From Panam Pagai Paasam · 1979
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Vani Jairam
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Details
- Panam Pagai Paasam1979
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Neththu madhuraiyilae kaatru adikkaiyilae | Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai, |
| Pooththa malliyappoo ponnaachchu | The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold. |
| Vaigai nadhiyinilae valaiya virikkaiyilae | When a net was spread in the Vaigai river, |
| Kedachcha meenirendu kannaachchu | The two fish caught became her eyes. |
| Female | |
| Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa | Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds) |
| Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa | The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself. |
| Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa | Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds) |
| Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa | The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself. |
| Female | |
| Neththu madhuraiyilae kaatru adikkaiyilae | Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai, |
| Pooththa malliyappoo ponnaachchu | The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold. |
| Vaigai nadhiyinilae valaiya virikkaiyilae | When a net was spread in the Vaigai river, |
| Kedachcha meenirendu kannaachchu | The two fish caught became her eyes. |
| Female | |
| Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa | Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds) |
| Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa | The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself. |
| Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa | Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds) |
| Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa | The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself. |
| Female | |
| Yaei yaei edhukku thudicha | Hey hey, why did your heart flutter? |
| Yaen yaen enna nenachcha | Why, why, what did you think of me? |
| Yaei yaei edhukku thudicha | Hey hey, why did your heart flutter? |
| Yaen yaen enna nenachcha | Why, why, what did you think of me? |
| Female | |
| Eerettu vayasu ilagiya manasu | Sixteen years of age with a tender heart, |
| Poonjittu polae naanthaanae | Am I not just like a tiny little bird? |
| Eerettu vayasu ilagiya manasu | Sixteen years of age with a tender heart, |
| Poonjittu polae naanthaanae | Am I not just like a tiny little bird? |
| Female | |
| Kanni pen sirippu kadhal neruppu | A young maiden's smile is the fire of love, |
| Kannam senthaazhmpoo | Her cheek is a fragrant screwpine flower. |
| Kanni pen sirippu kadhal neruppu | A young maiden's smile is the fire of love, |
| Kannam senthaazhmpoo | Her cheek is a fragrant screwpine flower. |
| Female | |
| Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa | Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds) |
| Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa | The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself. |
| Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa | Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds) |
| Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa | The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself. |
| Female | |
| Neththu madhuraiyilae kaatru adikkaiyilae | Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai, |
| Pooththa malliyappoo ponnaachchu | The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold. |
| Vaigai nadhiyinilae valaiya virikkaiyilae | When a net was spread in the Vaigai river, |
| Kedachcha meenirendu kannaachchu | The two fish caught became her eyes. |
| Female | |
| Yaedho manasilirukku | There is something hidden in the heart, |
| Kel kel mayakkamedhukku | Ask me, ask me, why this intoxication and hesitation? |
| Yaedho manasilirukku | There is something hidden in the heart, |
| Kel kel mayakkamedhukku | Ask me, ask me, why this intoxication and hesitation? |
| Female | |
| Kelikkai iravil vedikkai nadaththum | Putting on a playful performance in the night of fun, |
| Vaadikkaikkaran neethaanae | Aren't you that regular visitor? |
| Kelikkai iravil vedikkai nadaththum | Putting on a playful performance in the night of fun, |
| Vaadikkaikkaran neethaanae | Aren't you that regular visitor? |
| Female | |
| Aththaikku magano mamanthaano | Is he the paternal aunt's son or the maternal uncle's son? |
| Aasaikku uravedhaiyyaa | What kind of relationship is born out of desire, sir? |
| Aththaikku magano mamanthaano | Is he the paternal aunt's son or the maternal uncle's son? |
| Aasaikku uravedhaiyyaa | What kind of relationship is born out of desire, sir? |
| Female | |
| Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa | Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds) |
| Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa | The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself. |
| Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa | Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds) |
| Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa | The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself. |
| Female | |
| Neththu madhuraiyilae kaatru adikkaiyilae | Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai, |
| Pooththa malliyappoo ponnaachchu | The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold. |
| Vaigai nadhiyinilae valaiya virikkaiyilae | When a net was spread in the Vaigai river, |
| Kedachcha meenirendu kannaachchu | The two fish caught became her eyes. |
| Female | |
| Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa | Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds) |
| Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa | The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself. |
| Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa | Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds) |
| Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa | The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself. |
நேத்து மதுரையிலே காற்று அடிக்கையிலே
பூத்த மல்லியப்பூ பொண்ணாச்சு
வைகை நதியினிலே வலைய விரிக்கையிலே
கெடச்ச மீனிரெண்டு கண்ணாச்சு
Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai,
The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold.
When a net was spread in the Vaigai river,
The two fish caught became her eyes.
தகதிமி தகதிமி ததிங்கினதா
தன்ன பத்தி சின்னப் பொண்ணு தமுக்கடிச்சா
தகதிமி தகதிமி ததிங்கினதா
தன்ன பத்தி சின்னப் பொண்ணு தமுக்கடிச்சா
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
நேத்து மதுரையிலே காற்று அடிக்கையிலே
பூத்த மல்லியப்பூ பொண்ணாச்சு
வைகை நதியினிலே வலைய விரிக்கையிலே
கெடச்ச மீனிரெண்டு கண்ணாச்சு
Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai,
The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold.
When a net was spread in the Vaigai river,
The two fish caught became her eyes.
தகதிமி தகதிமி ததிங்கினதா
தன்ன பத்தி சின்னப் பொண்ணு தமுக்கடிச்சா
தகதிமி தகதிமி ததிங்கினதா
தன்ன பத்தி சின்னப் பொண்ணு தமுக்கடிச்சா
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
ஏய் ஏய் எதுக்கு துடிச்ச
ஏன் ஏன் என்ன நெனச்ச
ஏய் ஏய் எதுக்கு துடிச்ச
ஏன் ஏன் என்ன நெனச்ச
Hey hey, why did your heart flutter?
Why, why, what did you think of me?
Hey hey, why did your heart flutter?
Why, why, what did you think of me?
ஈரெட்டு வயசு இளகிய மனசு
பூஞ்சிட்டு போலே நான்தானே
ஈரெட்டு வயசு இளகிய மனசு
பூஞ்சிட்டு போலே நான்தானே
Sixteen years of age with a tender heart,
Am I not just like a tiny little bird?
Sixteen years of age with a tender heart,
Am I not just like a tiny little bird?
கன்னிப் பெண் சிரிப்பு காதல் நெருப்பு
கன்னம் செந்தாழம்பூ
கன்னிப் பெண் சிரிப்பு காதல் நெருப்பு
கன்னம் செந்தாழம்பூ
A young maiden's smile is the fire of love,
Her cheek is a fragrant screwpine flower.
A young maiden's smile is the fire of love,
Her cheek is a fragrant screwpine flower.
தகதிமி தகதிமி ததிங்கினதா
தன்ன பத்தி சின்னப் பொண்ணு தமுக்கடிச்சா
தகதிமி தகதிமி ததிங்கினதா
தன்ன பத்தி சின்னப் பொண்ணு தமுக்கடிச்சா
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
நேத்து மதுரையிலே காற்று அடிக்கையிலே
பூத்த மல்லியப்பூ பொண்ணாச்சு
வைகை நதியினிலே வலைய விரிக்கையிலே
கெடச்ச மீனிரெண்டு கண்ணாச்சு
Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai,
The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold.
When a net was spread in the Vaigai river,
The two fish caught became her eyes.
ஏதோ மனசிலிருக்கு
கேள் கேள் மயக்கமெதுக்கு
ஏதோ மனசிலிருக்கு
கேள் கேள் மயக்கமெதுக்கு
There is something hidden in the heart,
Ask me, ask me, why this intoxication and hesitation?
There is something hidden in the heart,
Ask me, ask me, why this intoxication and hesitation?
கேளிக்கை இரவில் வேடிக்கை நடத்தும்
வாடிக்கைக்காரன் நீதானே
கேளிக்கை இரவில் வேடிக்கை நடத்தும்
வாடிக்கைக்காரன் நீதானே
Putting on a playful performance in the night of fun,
Aren't you that regular visitor?
Putting on a playful performance in the night of fun,
Aren't you that regular visitor?
பெண்
: அத்தைக்கு மகனோ மாமன்தானோ
ஆசைக்கு உறவேதய்யா.....
அத்தைக்கு மகனோ மாமன்தானோ
ஆசைக்கு உறவேதய்யா.....
Is he the paternal aunt's son or the maternal uncle's son?
What kind of relationship is born out of desire, sir?
Is he the paternal aunt's son or the maternal uncle's son?
What kind of relationship is born out of desire, sir?
தகதிமி தகதிமி ததிங்கினதா
தன்ன பத்தி சின்னப் பொண்ணு தமுக்கடிச்சா
தகதிமி தகதிமி ததிங்கினதா
தன்ன பத்தி சின்னப் பொண்ணு தமுக்கடிச்சா
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
நேத்து மதுரையிலே காற்று அடிக்கையிலே
பூத்த மல்லியப்பூ பொண்ணாச்சு
வைகை நதியினிலே வலைய விரிக்கையிலே
கெடச்ச மீனிரெண்டு கண்ணாச்சு
Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai,
The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold.
When a net was spread in the Vaigai river,
The two fish caught became her eyes.
தகதிமி தகதிமி ததிங்கினதா
தன்ன பத்தி சின்னப் பொண்ணு தமுக்கடிச்சா
தகதிமி தகதிமி ததிங்கினதா
தன்ன பத்தி சின்னப் பொண்ணு தமுக்கடிச்சா
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Neththu madhuraiyilae kaatru adikkaiyilae
Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai,
Pooththa malliyappoo ponnaachchu
The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold.
Vaigai nadhiyinilae valaiya virikkaiyilae
When a net was spread in the Vaigai river,
Kedachcha meenirendu kannaachchu
The two fish caught became her eyes.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Neththu madhuraiyilae kaatru adikkaiyilae
Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai,
Pooththa malliyappoo ponnaachchu
The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold.
Vaigai nadhiyinilae valaiya virikkaiyilae
When a net was spread in the Vaigai river,
Kedachcha meenirendu kannaachchu
The two fish caught became her eyes.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Yaei yaei edhukku thudicha
Hey hey, why did your heart flutter?
Yaen yaen enna nenachcha
Why, why, what did you think of me?
Yaei yaei edhukku thudicha
Hey hey, why did your heart flutter?
Yaen yaen enna nenachcha
Why, why, what did you think of me?
Eerettu vayasu ilagiya manasu
Sixteen years of age with a tender heart,
Poonjittu polae naanthaanae
Am I not just like a tiny little bird?
Eerettu vayasu ilagiya manasu
Sixteen years of age with a tender heart,
Poonjittu polae naanthaanae
Am I not just like a tiny little bird?
Kanni pen sirippu kadhal neruppu
A young maiden's smile is the fire of love,
Kannam senthaazhmpoo
Her cheek is a fragrant screwpine flower.
Kanni pen sirippu kadhal neruppu
A young maiden's smile is the fire of love,
Kannam senthaazhmpoo
Her cheek is a fragrant screwpine flower.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Neththu madhuraiyilae kaatru adikkaiyilae
Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai,
Pooththa malliyappoo ponnaachchu
The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold.
Vaigai nadhiyinilae valaiya virikkaiyilae
When a net was spread in the Vaigai river,
Kedachcha meenirendu kannaachchu
The two fish caught became her eyes.
Yaedho manasilirukku
There is something hidden in the heart,
Kel kel mayakkamedhukku
Ask me, ask me, why this intoxication and hesitation?
Yaedho manasilirukku
There is something hidden in the heart,
Kel kel mayakkamedhukku
Ask me, ask me, why this intoxication and hesitation?
Kelikkai iravil vedikkai nadaththum
Putting on a playful performance in the night of fun,
Vaadikkaikkaran neethaanae
Aren't you that regular visitor?
Kelikkai iravil vedikkai nadaththum
Putting on a playful performance in the night of fun,
Vaadikkaikkaran neethaanae
Aren't you that regular visitor?
Aththaikku magano mamanthaano
Is he the paternal aunt's son or the maternal uncle's son?
Aasaikku uravedhaiyyaa
What kind of relationship is born out of desire, sir?
Aththaikku magano mamanthaano
Is he the paternal aunt's son or the maternal uncle's son?
Aasaikku uravedhaiyyaa
What kind of relationship is born out of desire, sir?
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Neththu madhuraiyilae kaatru adikkaiyilae
Yesterday, when the wind blew in Madurai,
Pooththa malliyappoo ponnaachchu
The bloomed jasmine flower turned into gold.
Vaigai nadhiyinilae valaiya virikkaiyilae
When a net was spread in the Vaigai river,
Kedachcha meenirendu kannaachchu
The two fish caught became her eyes.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa
Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa (rhythmic beat sounds)
Thanna paththi chinna ponnu thamukkadichchaa
The young girl beat her own drum announcing herself.
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This lively folk-style song from 'Panam Pagai Paasam' (1979) expresses the youthful exuberance and budding romantic desires of a sixteen-year-old maiden. Set against the cultural backdrops of Madurai and the Vaigai river, the heroine poetically describes her own beauty—comparing her eyes to fish caught in the river and her cheeks to fragrant flowers. Through energetic rhythm and teasing lyrics, she coquettishly challenges her lover, asking him to overcome his hesitation and embrace love. Lyricist Kannadasan infuses traditional Tamil cultural metaphors of courtship (referencing maternal and paternal cousins) to construct a playful narrative of youthful allure, heightened by Vani Jairam's expressive vocal delivery.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (உருவகம்)
“Kedachcha meenirendu kannaachchu”
Directly equates the eyes of the maiden to two fish caught in the Vaigai river, echoing classic Sangam poetry tropes (Meenatchi / fish-eyed beauty).
Simile (உவமையணி)
“Poonjittu polae naanthaanae”
Uses the comparative marker 'polae' (like) to compare the young girl's delicate nature to a small bird.
Ethugai (எதுகை - Second letter rhyming)
“Neththu madhuraiyilae / Pooththa malliyappoo”
The second consonant sound 'th' ('த்') rhymes across the consecutive lines.
Onomatopoeia & Sollukattu (சொல்லுக் கட்டு)
“Thagathimi thagathimi thathinginathaa”
Rhythmic dance syllables mimicking classical percussion beats to create an infectious tempo.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by the composer duo Shankar-Ganesh for the 1979 movie 'Panam Pagai Paasam', this track highlights Vani Jairam's signature agility in rhythmically complex folk-classical melodies. Kannadasan cleverly incorporates references to Madurai and Vaigai, linking the heroine's eyes to fish—a subtle homage to Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai, whose name literally translates to 'the fish-eyed one'.
Keep listening
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