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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paal Manam Poo Manam

From Onne Onnu Kanne Kannu · 1974

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
Music director
V. Kumar
Details
Onne Onnu Kanne Kannu1974

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Paal manam poo manam paavai manamFragrance of milk, fragrance of flowers, fragrance of a maiden
Paal manam poo manam paavai manamFragrance of milk, fragrance of flowers, fragrance of a maiden
Kannaa unakkithu birunthavanamOh Krishna, this is Vrindavan for you
Kannaa unakkithu ibrunthavanamOh Krishna, this is Vrindavan for you
Male
Kodhaiyin poovudal gogulamThe maiden's flower-like body is Gokulam
Endrae kannan vilaiyaadaFor Krishna to play in
Kodhaiyin poovudal gogulamThe maiden's flower-like body is Gokulam
Endrae kannan vilaiyaadaFor Krishna to play in
Kalam enna neram ennaWhy worry about time or moment?
Kannae konja vaaMy dear, come let us cuddle
Male
Paal manam poo manam paavai manamFragrance of milk, fragrance of flowers, fragrance of a maiden
Kannaa unakkithu birunthavanamOh Krishna, this is Vrindavan for you
Male
Vaadaithaan pattaadai izhukkumThe northern breeze tugs at the silk garment
Sevvaazhai poo en kannai parikkumThe red banana flower dazzles my eyes
Vaadaithaan pattaadai izhukkumThe northern breeze tugs at the silk garment
Sevvaazhai poo en kannai parikkumThe red banana flower dazzles my eyes
Female
Killi killi parikindra kaigal ennavoWhat are these hands doing, pinching and plucking?
Ammamma killi killi parikindra kaigal ennavoOh my, what are these hands doing, pinching and plucking?
Kann pattu kai thottu kanni pogaathoWon't the maiden fade if targeted by eyes and touched by hands?
Male
Poo mutham vendum kannamThe cheek desires a flower-like kiss
Punpadum endraa ennumWill it get hurt, she ponders
Poo mutham vendum kannamThe cheek desires a flower-like kiss
Punpadum endraa ennumWill it get hurt, she ponders
Female
Ellaam indru thanthaalIf everything is given away today
Naalai micham vendumaeSomething must be saved for tomorrow
Male
Paal manam poo manam paavai manamFragrance of milk, fragrance of flowers, fragrance of a maiden
Kannaa unakkithu birunthavanamOh Krishna, this is Vrindavan for you
Female
Kaal mudhal en koondhal varaiyilFrom my feet up to my hair
Un kaaviyam sol palliyaraiyilRecite your epic in the bedchamber
Kaal mudhal en koondhal varaiyilFrom my feet up to my hair
Un kaaviyam sol palliyaraiyilRecite your epic in the bedchamber
Male
Solli solli mudiyaathu palli kavithaiEndless is the poem of the bedchamber
Solli solli mudiyaathu palli kavithaiEndless is the poem of the bedchamber
Ammammaa kettu paar anthi pozhuthaiOh my, ask and see the twilight hour
Female
Anantha raagam ondruA melody of bliss
Aarambam aagum andruWill commence on that day
Anantha raagam ondruA melody of bliss
Aarambam aagum andruWill commence on that day
Male :Raagam paathi thaalam paathi saernthaal geedhamaeMale: When half melody and half rhythm combine, it becomes music
Female
Paal manam poo manam paavai manamFragrance of milk, fragrance of flowers, fragrance of a maiden
Male :Kanne enakkathu birunthavanamMale: My darling, this is Vrindavan for me
Kanne enakkathu birunthavanamMy darling, this is Vrindavan for me

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic duet captures an intimate romantic interaction between two lovers, using the sacred and playful mythology of Krishna, Vrindavan, and Gokulam as metaphors for romantic affection. The heroine playfully expresses her coyness and bodily beauty while comparing her lover to Krishna, while the hero responds with equal passion, equating their union to a perfect harmony of melody and rhythm.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme / Repetition)

Paal manam poo manam paavai manam

The repetition of 'manam' at the end of successive phrases creates a sweet rhythmic cadence.

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Kodhaiyin poovudal gogulam

The heroine's tender body is metaphorically envisioned as Gokulam for Lord Krishna to play in.

Adukku Thodar (Repetitive Emphasis)

Killi killi parikindra kaigal ennavo

The word 'killi' is repeated to highlight playful teasing and affectionate contact.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by V. Kumar with lyrics by Vaali, this duet brings together S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and P. Susheela. Vaali masterfully weaves classical Krishna-Gopi devotional imagery into a modern romantic film context, creating a timeless melody.

Keep listening

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