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Isaimozhi
Suthanthira Nattin Adimaigal album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Ponno Maniyo Poovo Kaniyo

From Suthanthira Nattin Adimaigal · 1988

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singers
Mano, K. S. Chitra
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Movie name
Suthanthira Nattin Adimaigal
Movie release year
1988
Lyrics added on
7 May 2021

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Ponno maniyo poovo kaniyo
Mannil nilavo maran kaviyo
Mannil nilavo maran kaviyo
Kanno illai meeno
Kanno illai meeno maano
Ponno maniyo poovo kaniyo
Male :Mannil nilavo maran kaviyo
Female :Kanno illai meeno maano
Ponno maniyo
Male :Poovo kaniyo
{Paalum thel thenum
Parimaarum kani vaayum
Adhil naal thorum naadagam arangerum} (2)
Noolin idai vaadum
Adhan maelae vidai thedum
Noolin idai vaadum
Adhan maelae vidai thedum
Viral meettamal meettidum swarasthaanam
Palli paadal….
Dhinam alli koodal…..
Solli paadum suam niththam thaedal….
Ponno maniyo
Male :Poovo kaniyo
Mannil nilavo
Female :Maran kaviyo
Male :Kanno illai meeno maano
Female :Ponno maniyo
Male :Poovo kaniyo….oo…..
{Aahaa haa…..ha….aaa….
Male :Aaa….aa….} (3)
{Koondhal oru megam
Adhi koodum oru mogam
Adhil neenthaamal neendhidum ivan thegam} (2)
Naanum ini neeyum
Oru thaayum aval saeyum
Naanum ini neeyum
Oru thaayum aval saeyum
Un thaalaattu kettida alai paayum
Thannanthaniyae
Sugam sinthum paniyae
Ennai thazhuvu pala inbam pazhgu
Ponno maniyo
Male :Poovo kaniyo
Female :Mannil nilavo
Male :Maran kaviyo
Female :Kanno illai meeno
Male :Maano
Female :Laalalalalalaa
Male :Haahaa aaahha…
Female :Hmm mmm….
Is she gold, a gem, a flower, or a sweet fruit?
Is she the moon on earth, or a poem by the god of love?
Is she the moon on earth, or a poem by the god of love?
Are those eyes, or are they fish?
Are those eyes, or fish, or a deer?
Is she gold, a gem, a flower, or a sweet fruit?
Male: The moon on earth, or a poem by the god of love?
Female: Are those eyes, or fish, or a deer?
Is she gold, or a gem?
Male: A flower, or a fruit?
Milk and clear honey
served by her sweet lips,
where a romantic play unfolds every day.
Her thread-thin waist gently sways,
and searches for answers above,
Her thread-thin waist gently sways,
and searches for answers above,
Musical notes played without even touching fingers,
A song of love's bedtime...
Coming together each day like blooming lilies...
Always seeking the sweet joy sung in words...
Is she gold, or a gem?
Male: A flower, or a fruit?
The moon on earth?
Female: Or a poem by the god of love?
Male: Are those eyes, or fish, or a deer?
Female: Is she gold, or a gem?
Male: A flower, or a fruit... ooh...
Aaha ha... ha... aaha...
Male: Aah... aah...
Her hair is like a dark cloud,
gathering deep passion within,
where his body floats gently without effort.
From now on, you and I
are like a mother and her child.
From now on, you and I
are like a mother and her child.
My heart yearns restlessly to hear your lullaby,
All alone by myself,
O dew that showers sweet joy,
Embrace me and share in endless pleasures.
Is she gold, or a gem?
Male: A flower, or a fruit?
Female: The moon on earth?
Male: Or a poem by the god of love?
Female: Are those eyes, or fish?
Male: Or a deer?
Female: La la la la la...
Male: Haha aah ha...
Female: Mmm mmm...
Male
Female
Female
Male
Female
Female
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This song is a romantic duet expressing deep affection and sensual beauty through classical Tamil metaphors. The lovers admire each other's beauty, comparing features to gold, gems, flowers, fruits, the moon, and nature's finest elements. The lyrics depict intimate romantic moments, describing delicate physical beauty, sweet affection, and the comforting comfort of love akin to a mother's embrace.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

“Kanno illai meeno maano”

Compares eyes directly to fish and deer, and hair to a rain cloud.

Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Alangaram)

“Ponno maniyo poovo kaniyo”

Uses a series of questions asking if the beloved is gold, a gem, a flower, or fruit to express poetic wonder.

Assonance and Rhyme (Edhugai / MonaI)

“Ponno maniyo poovo kaniyo”

Rhythmic repetition of '-o' ending sounds creating a melodic lyricism across the verse.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics were penned by the veteran Tamil poet Pulamaipithan, known for his rich classical vocabulary and metaphorical depth in Tamil film music.

Keep listening

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Nee Vandhaai1990
Pathimoonam Number VeeduAttractionBeauty
Muthumani Ther Irukku1994
Amaidhi PadaiAttractionBeauty
Roja Ondru1984
Oh Maane MaaneAttractionSensual Love
Vaan Veliyil Nee1986
Raja Nee VazhgaAttractionSensual Love
Idhu Paal Vadiyum Mugam1987
Anbulla AppaAttractionBeauty
Kannoramai Kadhai Pesu1999
Kannupada PoguthaiyaBeautyDevotion

From the same album

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View album
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Suthanthira Nattin AdimaigalAngry
Ennai Padaicha Saami1988
Suthanthira Nattin AdimaigalPlayful
En Annai Desame1988
Suthanthira Nattin AdimaigalMournful

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