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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Poo Vaadaikatru

From Gopurangal Saivathillai · 1982

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
S. Janaki, Krishnachandran
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Gopurangal Saivathillai1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Poovaadai kaatruThe flower-scented breeze
Vandhu aadai theendumaeComes and caresses the dress
Mundhaanai ingaeHere, the saree pallu
Kudaiyaaga maarumaeTransforms into an umbrella
Saaral pattadhaal poo vedikkumaeAs the drizzle touches it, the flower bursts open
Eera vandugal thaen kudikkumaeWet bees drink the sweet honey
Aa… aaa… hoAa… aaa… ho
Female
Poovaadai kaatruThe flower-scented breeze
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Female :Vandhu aadai theendumaeComes and caresses the dress
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Female
Mundhaanai ingaeHere, the saree pallu
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Female :Kudaiyaaga maarumaeTransforms into an umbrella
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Male
Paadhai thadumaarumThe path falters
Idhu bodhai mazhaiyaagumThis becomes an intoxicating rain
Mundhaanai vaasam yaedho sugamThe scent of the pallu brings a peculiar bliss
Paadhai thadumaarumThe path falters
Idhu bodhai mazhaiyaagumThis becomes an intoxicating rain
Mundhaanai vaasam yaedho sugamThe scent of the pallu brings a peculiar bliss
Female
Kaanaadha poovin jaadhiA rare species of unseen flower
Nanaindhadhae dhegam paadhiHalf of the body gets drenched
Thallaadum kaadhal jothi enna saedhiWhat is the news from the flickering flame of love?
Male
Idhu thaanae mogamIs this truly passion?
Female :Papappaa…Papappaa…
Male :Oru poovin dhaagamA flower's thirst
Female :Papappaa…Papappaa…
Male :Kudaiyodu nanaiyaadho poongaavanamWill not the flower garden get drenched along with the umbrella?
Female
O… poovaadai kaatruOh… flower-scented breeze
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Female :Vandhu aadai theendumaeComes and caresses the dress
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Female
Mundhaanai ingaeHere, the saree pallu
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Female :Kudaiyaaga maarumaeTransforms into an umbrella
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Female
Yaengum ila maalaiThe longing, youthful evening
Viral theendum suga vaelaiA blissful moment when fingers touch
Kaananadhandro aan vaasanaiIs it not rare to experience a man's masculine fragrance?
Yaengum ila maalaiThe longing, youthful evening
Viral theendum suga vaelaiA blissful moment when fingers touch
Kaananadhandro aan vaasanaiIs it not rare to experience a man's masculine fragrance?
Male
Ambigai thangai endruCalling her the sister of Goddess Ambigai
Kindudhae aasai vanduThe bee of desire begins to stir
Thulludhae rojaa chendu soodudhendruA bunch of roses leaps to adorn her
Female
Iru kanni oramAt the corner of the young maiden's eyes
Male :Papappaa…Papappaa…
Female :Niram maarum naeramThe time when colors change
Male :Papappaa…Papappaa…
Female
Maarbil vizhumFalling upon the chest
Maalaigalin aalinganamAn embrace of flower garlands
Male
Hae… poovaadai kaatruHey… flower-scented breeze
Female :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Male :Vandhu aadai theendumaeComes and caresses the dress
Female :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Male :Mundhaanai ingaeHere, the saree pallu
Female :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Male :Kudaiyaaga maarumaeTransforms into an umbrella
Female :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Male
Saaral pattadhaal poo vedikkumaeAs the drizzle touches it, the flower bursts open
Eera vandugal thaen kudikkumaeWet bees drink the sweet honey
Aa… aaaa… aaaaAa… aaaa… aaaa
Female
O… poovaadai kaatruOh… flower-scented breeze
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Female :Vandhu aadai theendumaeComes and caresses the dress
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Female
Mundhaanai ingaeHere, the saree pallu
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa
Female :Kudaiyaaga maarumaeTransforms into an umbrella
Male :Lala lallaaLala lallaa

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Poovaadai Kaatru' is a romantic duet capturing the intimate emotions and sensuality shared between lovers amidst rain and cool breezes. The lyrics poetically equate the natural elements—drizzle, flowers, bees, and evening winds—with the burgeoning passion, touch, and closeness between the couple.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaai)

Mundhaanai ingae / Kudaiyaaga maarumae

Comparing the upper end of the saree (mundhaanai) to an umbrella (kudai) protecting lovers in the rain.

Personification

Yaengum ila maalai

Attributing human yearning to the evening ('yaengum ila maalai').

Emona / Rhyme Scheme

Paadhai thadumaarum / Idhu bodhai mazhaiyaagum

The second-letter rhyming (Yedhugai) in Tamil poetry, seen in 'Paadhai' and 'Bodhai'.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Poovaadai Kaatru' is a celebrated romantic track from the 1982 movie 'Gopurangal Saivathillai', which marked the directorial debut of Manivannan. The song features music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics written by Vairamuthu.

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