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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pombala Kannula Bodha

From Jothi · 1983

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, S. P. Sailaja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Jothi1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pombala kannula bodhaIn a woman's eyes lies intoxication,
Pottunu vettudhae aalaIt strikes down a man instantly.
Pombala kannula bodhaIn a woman's eyes lies intoxication,
Pottunu vettudhae aalaIt strikes down a man instantly.
Ooro paerooruIs there a famous town?
Ada eduthaa perambooruAh, Perambur takes the crown!
Chorus
Ooro paerooruIs there a famous town?
Ada eduthaa perambooruAh, Perambur takes the crown!
Male
Maedaiyilae vaesham ittaenI put on a role on the stage,
Chorus
HoiyaaHoiyaa!
Male
Pombala kannula bodhaIn a woman's eyes lies intoxication,
Pottunu vettudhae aalaIt strikes down a man instantly.
Chorus
Ooro paerooruIs there a famous town?
Ada eduthaa perambooruAh, Perambur takes the crown!
Female
Kattazhagu pattiyalaaA list of stunning beauty,
Kachidhamaa vachirundhaaShe has maintained it flawlessly.
Kattudala thottirukka sathiyamaaI swear I touched her well-built physique!
Male
Kobam em mela yaen mayilaeWhy are you angry at me, my peacock?
Naanum yaenguren naalaaI have been longing for days.
Kobam em mela yaen mayilaeWhy are you angry at me, my peacock?
Naanum yaenguren naalaaI have been longing for days.
Em paatto thaevaaramMy song is like sacred hymns,
Adha potten kaadhoramI played it near your ear.
Male
Pombala kannula bodhaIn a woman's eyes lies intoxication,
Pottunu vettudhae aalaIt strikes down a man instantly.
Chorus
Ooro paerooruIs there a famous town?
Ada eduthaa perambooruAh, Perambur takes the crown!
Chorus
Thandhana nannaa thandhanaThandhana nannaa thandhana
Nannaa thananaaNannaa thananaa
Thaananaana naanathaana thaananaana naaThaananaana naanathaana thaananaana naa
Male
Poi ezhudhum kangalilaeIn eyes that write falsehoods,
Mai ezhudha paathirundhaenI watched her apply kohl.
Chorus
Thandhananaa thaanananaaaThandhananaa thaanananaaa
Male
Potti maga vittu vittuThe rival's daughter repeatedly
Nenjinilae thee valathaaKindled a fire in my heart.
Chorus
Thandhananaa thaanananaaaThandhananaa thaanananaaa
Female
Thaayam pottaan vaai paechaalHe rolled the dice with his words,
Thaayum aanaal avalaeShe became like a mother herself.
Thaayam pottaan vaai paechaalHe rolled the dice with his words,
Thaayum aanaal avalaeShe became like a mother herself.
Poo potta thaevaaramA sacred chant adorned with flowers,
Adha kettaa kaadhoramWhen heard near the ear.
Male
Pombala kannula bodhaIn a woman's eyes lies intoxication,
Pottunu vettudhae aalaIt strikes down a man instantly.
Male
Ooro paerooruIs there a famous town?
Ada eduthaa perambooruAh, Perambur takes the crown!
Chorus
Ooro paerooruIs there a famous town?
Ada eduthaa perambooruAh, Perambur takes the crown!
Male
Maedaiyilae vaesham ittaenI put on a role on the stage,
Chorus
HoiyaaHoiyaa!
Male
Pombala kannula bodhaIn a woman's eyes lies intoxication,
Pottunu vettudhae aalaIt strikes down a man instantly.
Chorus
Ooro paerooruIs there a famous town?
Ada eduthaa perambooruAh, Perambur takes the crown!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This folk-style song from the film Jothi (1983) captures a energetic, theatrical performance expressing fascination and flirtatious banter towards a beautiful woman. The protagonist sings about the captivating power in a woman's eyes and compares her allure and grace to sacred hymns while casually referencing local flavor and theatrical roles.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Alliteration)

Pombala kannula bodha / Pottunu vettudhae aala

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'P' in 'Pombala' and 'Pottunu'.

Metaphor

Em paatto thaevaaram

Comparing the song/words to sacred hymns ('Thaevaaram') to show reverence and sweetness.

Rhyme (Edhugai)

Ooro paerooru / Ada eduthaa perambooru

Second letter agreement between 'Ooro' and 'Ada' in context of local rhythmic folk verse patterns.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song features local Madras slang (Gaana influence) blended into theatrical folk tunes, localized through references to places like Perambur.

Keep listening

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