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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pon Maane Kobam Yeno

From Oru Kaidhiyin Diary · 1985

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
Unni Menon, Uma Ramanan
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
…………………………..[Instrumental Intro]
Male
Pon maanae kobam yenoo…Golden deer, why this anger?
Pon maanae kobam yenoo…Golden deer, why this anger?
Kaadhal paalkudam kallaai ponathuHas the pot of milk called love turned into stone?
Rojaa yenadi mullaai ponadhuWhy has the rose turned into a thorn?
Male
Pon maanae kobam yenoo…Golden deer, why this anger?
Pon maanae kobam yenoo…Golden deer, why this anger?
Male
Kaaval kaapavan kaidhiyaai nirkkiren vaaI, the guard, stand here as a prisoner; come!
Female :Oodal enbathu kaadhalin gouravam poo..Female: A lover's quarrel is the pride of love, oh dear!
Male
Rendu kangalum ondru ondrin melDo the two eyes ever...
Kobam kolvathaa...get angry with one another?
La la laala laa la la laala laa la la laala laaLa la laala laa la la laala laa la la laala laa
Female
Aangal ellaam poyyin vamsamAll men belong to a dynasty of lies!
Male :Kobam kooda anbin amsamMale: Even anger is just a form of love.
Female :Naanam vandhaal oodal pogum oho..Female: When shyness arrives, the lovers' quarrel fades away, oho...
Male
Pon maanae kobam yenoo…Golden deer, why this anger?
Pon maanae kobam yenoo…Golden deer, why this anger?
Female
Undhan kangalil ennaiyae paarkiren naanI see myself inside your eyes.
Male :Rendu pournami kangalil paarkiren vaaMale: I see two full moons in your eyes, come!
Female
Unnai paarthadhum endhan penmaithaanThe moment I saw you, my womanhood...
Kan thirandhadhae...opened its eyes.
La la laala laa la la laala laa la la laala laaLa la laala laa la la laala laa la la laala laa
Male
Kannae melum kaadhal pesuMy dear, speak more of love!
Female :Neram paarthu neeyum pesuFemale: You too speak, but pick the right time.
Male :Paarvai poovai nenjil veesu ohoo..Male: Throw your flower-like gaze onto my heart, ohoo...
Male
{Pon maane…Female :Mmmm…{Golden deer... Female: Mmmm...
Kobam…Female :Mmmm….Anger... Female: Mmmm...
Enghaee…Female :Mmmm…mmm…mmm} (2)Where... Female: Mmmm...mmm...mmm} (2)
Female
Pookkal mothinaal kaayam nerumaIf flowers collide, can it cause an injury?
Thendral killinaal rojaa thaangumaaIf the breeze pinches, can a rose bear it?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Pon Maane Kobam Yenoo' is a classic romantic duet depicting 'Oodal' (a gentle lover's quarrel) between the lead couple. The male protagonist playfully asks his beloved why she is upset with him, comparing her sudden anger to sweet milk turning to stone or a delicate rose turning into sharp thorns. He humorously notes how he, the protector, feels like a helpless captive before her beauty. The female protagonist playfully retorts that all men speak falsehoods, yet acknowledges that a slight romantic dispute only enhances the sweetness and pride of love. As they exchange tender metaphors involving full moons, gentle breezes, and soft flowers, their affection deepens, resolving the playful conflict. Composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vairamuthu, the song captures the essence of youthful romance, playfulness, and mutual admiration.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Kaadhal paalkudam kallaai ponathu

'Kaadhal paalkudam' (pot of milk of love) compares love to a pot of pure milk that has hardened into stone due to misunderstanding.

Rhetorical Question

Rendu kangalum ondru ondrin mel Kobam kolvathaa

The poet uses rhetorical questions like asking if two eyes of the same person can be angry with each other, emphasizing unity between lovers.

Visual Imagery

Rendu pournami kangalil paarkiren vaa

'Rendu pournami kangalil paarkiren' creates vivid imagery of bright, radiant eyes resembling two full moons.

Hyperbole / Soft Paradox

Pookkal mothinaal kaayam neruma

'Pookkal mothinaal kaayam neruma' asks if gentle flowers colliding can cause injury, illustrating the softness of their romantic quarrel.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Pon Maane Kobam Yenoo' from 'Oru Kaidhiyin Diary' (1985) features music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics written by Vairamuthu. The song is sung by Unni Menon and Uma Ramanan, marking one of Unni Menon's early iconic hit tracks in Tamil cinema. The film stars Kamal Haasan in a double role and was directed by P. Bharathiraja.

Keep listening

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