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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Onnapol Manmadhan Illaiye

From Puthir · 1986

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Puthir1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Onna pol manmathanA Cupid like you,
Chorus :Illaiyae oorilaeChorus: Is nowhere else in this town!
Female :Kannana polavaeFemale: Just like Lord Krishna,
Chorus :Vanthanae nerulaChorus: He arrived in person!
Female
Vaazhkkaiyo naalu naalunaaIf life is just four days long,
Adhula vaalipam rendu naaluthaanYouth lasts for only two of those days!
Chorus :Aamaappaa vaazhkkaiyo naalu naalunaaChorus: Oh yes! If life is just four days long,
Adhula vaalipam rendu naaluthaanYouth lasts for only two of those days!
Female
Ha onna pol manmathanHa, a Cupid like you,
Chorus :Illaiyae oorilaeChorus: Is nowhere else in this town!
Female :Kannana polaevaeFemale: Just like Lord Krishna,
Chorus :Vanthanae nerulaChorus: He arrived in person!
Female
Maeni muzhuvathum minukkuthu maragathamMy whole body gleams like an emerald,
Megam pavalamaiyaaThe cloud looks like precious coral, my dear sir!
Chorus :………….Chorus: ...
Female :Saerththu thazhuvunga dhinasari pazhagaungaFemale: Hold me close and embrace me, mingle with me daily,
Kadhal sarasamaiyaaThis is romantic playfulness, my dear sir!
Chorus :……………Chorus: ...
Female :Santhana kattathaan vanthathu kittathaanFemale: A block of sandalwood has come close to you,
Onnathaan thottathaam ullamae kettathaamIt touched only you, and its heart asked for you,
Female
Oorvasi rambai edhukkuWhy do you need celestial nymphs like Urvashi or Rambha?
Chorus :EdhukkuChorus: Why indeed?
Female :Ennidam rompa irukkuFemale: I have plenty of charm right here in me!
Chorus :IrukkuChorus: She has it!
Female
Ha onna pol manmathanHa, a Cupid like you,
Chorus :Illaiyae oorilaeChorus: Is nowhere else in this town!
Female :Kannana polavaeFemale: Just like Lord Krishna,
Chorus :Vanthanae nerulaChorus: He arrived in person!
Female
Vaazhkkaiyo naalu naalunaaIf life is just four days long,
Adhula vaalipam rendu naaluthaanYouth lasts for only two of those days!
Chorus :Aamaappaa vaazhkkaiyo naalu naalunaaChorus: Oh yes! If life is just four days long,
Adhula vaalipam rendu naaluthaanYouth lasts for only two of those days!
Female
Kaama kalaigalai karachchava kudichchavaI have thoroughly mastered and absorbed all the arts of love,
Kaaththu thavichchirukkaenI have been waiting anxiously for you!
Chorus :………….Chorus: ...
Female :Kadhal sogangala onakkena koduththavaFemale: I am the one who gave all love's sweet sorrows for you,
Melum pasichchirukkaenAnd now I hunger for even more!
Chorus :………..Chorus: ...
Female
Sollunga allunga sonthamaa kollungaSpeak to me, embrace me, make me completely yours,
Muththamaa kottunga mellave kattungaShower me with kisses, tie me to you gently!
Female
Manmathan solli koduththaanCupid himself taught these lessons,
Chorus :KoduththaanChorus: He taught them!
Female :Ennamo viththa padichchaanFemale: He mastered some mysterious skill,
Chorus :PadichchaanChorus: He learned it!
Female :Kettaa naan thaaraen thenamum naan vaaraenFemale: If you ask, I will give; every day I will come to you,
Um maanae thaenae maargazhithaanaeOh my dear deer, my honey, it's the cozy month of Margazhi!
Female
Ha onna pol manmathanHa, a Cupid like you,
Chorus :Illaiyae oorilaeChorus: Is nowhere else in this town!
Female :Kannana polavaeFemale: Just like Lord Krishna,
Chorus :Vanthanae nerulaChorus: He arrived in person!
Female
Vaazhkkaiyo naalu naalunaaIf life is just four days long,
Adhula vaalipam rendu naaluthaanYouth lasts for only two of those days!
Chorus :Aamaappaa vaazhkkaiyo naalu naalunaaChorus: Oh yes! If life is just four days long,
Adhula vaalipam rendu naaluthaanYouth lasts for only two of those days!
Female
Haei onna pol manmathanHey, a Cupid like you,
Chorus :Illaiyae oorilaeChorus: Is nowhere else in this town!
Female :Kannana polaevaeFemale: Just like Lord Krishna,
Chorus :Vanthanae nerulaChorus: He arrived in person!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Onna Pol Manmathan' from the movie Puthir (1986) is a seductive, upbeat club dance track where the female protagonist flirtatiously praises her lover's charm and attractive aura, equating him to Manmathan (the Hindu god of love) and Krishna. The overarching philosophy of the song revolves around carpe diem—reminding the listener that life is fleeting ('life is four days, youth is only two') and youth must be celebrated and enjoyed to the fullest through love and intimacy. Throughout the track, the lyrics utilize rich sensual imagery—sandalwood, emeralds, and the chilly month of Margazhi—to highlight passion, desire, and playfulness. Sung brilliantly by S. Janaki with her iconic vocal modulations and supported by a lively chorus, the song captures a spirited, carefree celebration of romantic allure.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Onna pol manmathan / Kannana polavae

The lover is directly compared to Manmathan (Cupid) and Kannan (Lord Krishna) to emphasize his ultimate romantic charm and handsome appeal.

Ethugai (Second letter rhyming)

Vaazhkkaiyo naalu naalunaa / Adhula vaalipam rendu naaluthaan

The second letter 'zha/la' sound creates a rhythmic chime between 'Vaazhkkaiyo' and 'Adhula'.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Sollunga allunga sonthamaa kollunga / Muththamaa kottunga mellave kattunga

The repeating suffix '-unga' at the end of multiple rhythmic commands creates an engaging lyrical bounce.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kaama kalaigalai karachchava kudichchava / Kaaththu thavichchirukkaen

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound ('Kaama', 'kalaigalai', 'karachchava', 'Kaaththu') gives melodic flow to the line.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Ilaiyaraaja and penned by his brother Gangai Amaran, 'Onna Pol Manmathan' showcases S. Janaki's incredible versatility in delivering seductive and playful vocal expressions. The line 'Vaazhkkaiyo naalu naalunaa, adhula vaalipam rendu naaluthaan' became a popular colloquial punchline in Tamil pop culture, summarizing the fleeting nature of youth in a simple, catchy proverb.

Keep listening

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