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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ponvaanam Paneer

From Indru Nee Nalai Naan · 1983

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Indru Nee Nalai Naan1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aaaa….aaaa….aaaa….aaa….Aaaa....
Aaaa….aaaa….aaaa….aaa….Aaaa....
Female
Ponvaanam paneer thoovudhu inneramAt this hour, the golden sky sprinkles rosewater.
Ponvaanam paneer thoovudhu inneramAt this hour, the golden sky sprinkles rosewater.
Ada ennam meerudhu..Ah, my thoughts exceed all limits..
Vannam maarudhu kannoramm..Colors change at the corners of the eyes..
Ponvaanam paneer thoovudhu inneramAt this hour, the golden sky sprinkles rosewater.
Female
Aaaa…aaaa….aaa…aaa….aaa…Aaaa....
Lalalala….lalala…Lalalala....
Female
Mazhai thoothalaeAs the rain drizzles,
Odhunga idam paarkudhaeIt seeks a shelter to hide in.
Malar ambugalArrows made of blossoms
Uyir varaikum thaakkudhaeStrike deep into the very soul.
Female
{Mazhai seiyum kolaaru…The mischief caused by this rain...
Kodhikudhae paalaaru…} (2)Makes the Palar river boil with passion...
Female
{Idhu kaadhal aasaikkumIs this the perfect time for romantic desire
Kaaman poojaikkum neramaa} (2)And the sacred worship of the God of Love?
Indha jodi vandugalWill this pair of honeybees
Porruthaan idumaa..aaa…Have the patience to wait?
Female
Ponvaanam paneer thoovudhu inneramAt this hour, the golden sky sprinkles rosewater.
Female
Lallalalala….lallala…lalala…lalalala…Lallalalala....
Female
Thangathamarai malarndha pinbu moodumoOnce the golden lotus blooms, will it ever close?
Pattupoongodi padara idam thedumoWill the silky flowering creeper search for a place to spread?
Female
{Malar kanai paayaadho…Won't the arrows of flowers fly?
Madhukkudam saiyaadho} (2)Won't the pot of sweet nectar tip over?
Female
{Indha vellai malligaiThis white jasmine flower
Dhevakannigai dhaanamma} (2)Is truly a celestial maiden!
Mazhai kaaman kaatilIn the forest of the God of Love,
Peiyumkalam ammammaa….Oh my, it is the rainy season!
Female
Ponvaanam paneer thoovudhu inneramAt this hour, the golden sky sprinkles rosewater.
Ada ennam meerudhu..Ah, my thoughts exceed all limits..
Vannam maarudhu kannoramm..Colors change at the corners of the eyes..
Ponvaanam paneer thoovudhu inneramAt this hour, the golden sky sprinkles rosewater.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Ponvaanam Paneer Thoovudhu is an iconic sensuous rain song from Indru Nee Nalai Naan (1983). The lyrics paint a vivid picture of twilight rain where the golden sky seems to be showering fragrant rosewater. The gentle weather kindles deep romantic longing and erotic passion between the lovers, comparing their feelings to nature blooming and overflowing.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Ponvaanam paneer thoovudhu inneram

The drizzling rain falling from the golden evening sky is metaphorically described as rosewater (paneer) being sprinkled.

Personification

Mazhai thoothalae Odhunga idam paarkudhae

The rain drizzle is given human qualities, portrayed as searching for a shelter to take cover.

Mythological Allusion & Imagery

Malar ambugal Uyir varaikum thaakkudhae

Refers to Kama (the Hindu God of Love) who uses arrows made of five flowers to strike romantic longing into hearts.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Ponvaanam paneer thoovudhu inneram

The repetition of the 'Po' sound at the beginning of adjacent words creates a pleasant rhythmic flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

Though listed as 'Unknown' in the prompt, the music for this song was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by Vairamuthu. Sung by S. Janaki and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, it remains one of Tamil cinema's most famous romantic rain melodies.

Keep listening

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