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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pookkal Rasithathu

From Vaazhthugal · 2008

Lyricist
Na. Muthu Kumar
Singers
Haricharan, Ajindan
Music director
Yuvan Shankar Raja
Details
Vaazhthugal2008

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pookkal rasithadhu eppodhuWhen did we last admire the flowers?
Adhu EppodhuWhen was that?
Pulveliyil nadandhadhu eppodhuWhen did we last walk on the grasslands?
Adhu eppodhuWhen was that?
Nadhiyil nanaindhadhu eppodhuWhen did we last get drenched in a river?
Nilavai rasithadhu eppodhuWhen did we last admire the moon?
Indha iyarkkaiyil naamum kalappadhu eppodhuWhen will we also blend into this nature?
Indha vaazhkkaiyai naamum vaazhvadhu eppodhuWhen will we also truly live this life?
Male
Oh oh…Oh oh…
Male :Pookkal rasithadhu eppodhuMale: When did we last admire the flowers?
Adhu EppodhuWhen was that?
Pulveliyil nadandhadhu eppodhu ho oo oo ooWhen did we walk on the grasslands, ho oo oo oo?
Male
Vaanathai paarthu kidappadhu eppodhuWhen did we lie down looking at the sky?
Garvam kalandhu tholaippom appodhuShedding our pride, we will lose ourselves then!
Vannathu poochigal pidippadhu eppodhuWhen did we last chase butterflies?
Vayadhai marandhu sirippom appodhuForgetting our age, we will laugh then!
Male
Nee megathil oviyam paarthadhu eppodhuWhen did you last see artwork in the clouds?
Nam vaazhviyam kalaindhadhu inaippom appodhuWe will reconnect our fragmented lives then!
Male
Pookkal rasithadhu eppodhuWhen did we last admire the flowers?
Adhu EppodhuWhen was that?
Pulveliyil nadandhadhu eppodhu ho oh oo ooWhen did we walk on the grasslands, ho oh oo oo?
Male
Vaanavil paarthu nindradhu eppodhuWhen did we stand admiring a rainbow?
Niraveri tholaindha urakkam paar appodhuSee, our long-lost sleep will be restored then!
Aatril meengal rasithadhu eppodhuWhen did we last watch the fish in a river?
Nadhi neer sandai kazhindhidum appodhuThe disputes over river waters will vanish then!
Male
Oru paravai ena vaanil parapadhu eppodhuWhen will we fly in the sky like a bird?
Un thaai ena boomiya uranthidu eppodhuWhen will you embrace the earth as your mother?
Male
Pookkal rasithadhu eppodhuWhen did we last admire the flowers?
Adhu EppodhuWhen was that?
Pulveliyil nadandhadhu eppodhuWhen did we last walk on the grasslands?
Adhu eppodhuWhen was that?
Nadhiyil nanaindhadhu eppodhuWhen did we last get drenched in a river?
Nilavai rasithadhu eppodhuWhen did we last admire the moon?
Indha iyarkkaiyil naamum kalappadhu eppodhuWhen will we also blend into this nature?
Indha vaazhkkaiyai naamum vaazhvadhu eppodhuWhen will we also truly live this life?
Male
Oh oh…eppodhuOh oh… when?
Ho oo oo oo adhu eppodhuHo oo oo oo when was that?
Eppodhu….When…?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Pookkal Rasithadhu Eppodhu is a deeply philosophical and introspective song from the film Vaazhthugal (2008), penned by lyricist Na. Muthukumar. The song serves as a poignant reminder of how modern human life has become disconnected from nature and the simple, effortless joys of existence. Through a series of reflective questions, it asks when we last took the time to appreciate flowers, walk barefoot on grass, gaze at clouds, or watch fish swim in a stream. The lyricist suggests that returning to nature, shedding human pride, and embracing the Earth as a mother will heal humanity's stress, sleeplessness, and social conflicts, ultimately allowing people to truly live rather than merely survive.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Epiphora / Rhyme (Antistrophe)

Pookkal rasithadhu eppodhu / Pulveliyil nadandhadhu eppodhu

The deliberate repetition of the word 'eppodhu' (when?) at the end of consecutive lines emphasizes a sense of yearning and introspection.

Simile (Upamai)

Oru paravai ena vaanil parapadhu eppodhu

Comparing human freedom to the uninhibited flight of a bird using 'ena' (like).

Personification / Metaphor

Un thaai ena boomiya uranthidu eppodhu

Addressing Mother Earth as one's own mother, urging humanity to show filial affection and affection towards nature.

Second-letter Rhyme (Etukai)

Aatril meengal rasithadhu eppodhu

The second consonant 'rr' in 'Aatril' pairs harmoniously with 'dd'/'dh' phrasing across structural stanzas in Tamil prosody.

Did you know?

Trivia

Though listed as unknown in the prompt, the soundtrack for Vaazhthugal (2008) was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, and this soul-stirring track was sung by Vijay Yesudas. Directed by Seeman, the film heavily emphasizes Tamil culture and a return to natural, rural living, making Na. Muthukumar's eco-conscious lyrics a key highlight of the album.

Keep listening

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