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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Poonthottam Poovil

From Nathiyai Thedi Vantha Kadal · 1980

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. P. Shailaja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Nathiyai Thedi Vantha Kadal1980

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Laalaalalalalalaalaa laalalalaalaaTra la la la la la la la, tra la la la la
Laalaalalalalalaalaa laalalalaalaaTra la la la la la la la, tra la la la la
Female
PoonthottathilIn the flower garden,
Poovil pennin jaadaigalThe flowers display the subtle gestures of a maiden.
PoonthottathilIn the flower garden,
Poovil pennin jaadaigalThe flowers display the subtle gestures of a maiden.
Poojai seiyum pachai killaigalGreen parrots perform worshipful offerings.
Aadal mangai thogai vannangalColors like the feathered plumage of a dancing maiden.
PoonthottathilIn the flower garden,
Poovil pennin jaadaigalThe flowers display the subtle gestures of a maiden.
Poonthottathil …In the flower garden...
Female
Kavidhaigal ezhudhuga pudhiya megangalLet new clouds write poems,
Iniya naadhangalWith sweet musical notes.
Pasumaiyil malaruga azhagu manjangalLet beautiful beds blossom amid the greenery.
Female
Kaalangal deivathin vedhangalTime is God's divine scripture.
Ullangal aanandha melangalHearts are joyful celebratory drums.
Engae endha raajangamooWherever that kingdom might be,
Ilamai nenjam deivegamooIs a youthful heart divine?
Female
PoonthottathilIn the flower garden,
Poovil pennin jaadaigalThe flowers display the subtle gestures of a maiden.
Poonthottathil …..In the flower garden...
Female
Ilaigalin kuyilgalin pudhiya sandhippuA new rendezvous of leaves and cuckoos,
Adhilum thithippuAnd sweet delight in that too.
Nadhigalil alaigalin pudhiya thaalangalNew rhythms from the waves in the rivers.
Female
Engengum kalyaana kolangalFestive wedding decorations everywhere.
Yemattram illaadha jeevangalBeings living without disappointment,
Thannaithaanae aalgindranaThey rule over themselves,
Thannil nindru vaazhgindranaAnd live standing strong on their own.
Female
PoonthottathilIn the flower garden,
Poovil pennin jaadaigalThe flowers display the subtle gestures of a maiden.
Poonthottathil …..In the flower garden...
Female
Manidhargal manadhilae udhaya kaalangalDawn arrives in the minds of humans,
Nizhalai paarungalLook at the shadow.
Marangalin nizhalilae kanavu jaalangalMagical dreams in the shade of trees.
Female
Naalondrum poluthondrum pogudhuEach day and each moment passes by,
Naalukku naal namm ennam maarudhuDay by day, our thoughts keep changing.
Engae sondham undaagumooWherever a bond is born,
Angae nenjam sendraal ennaWhy shouldn't the heart go there?
Female
PoonthottathilIn the flower garden,
Poovil pennin jaadaigalThe flowers display the subtle gestures of a maiden.
Poojai seiyum pachai killaigalGreen parrots perform worshipful offerings.
Aadal mangai thogai vannangalColors like the feathered plumage of a dancing maiden.
PoonthottathilIn the flower garden,
Poovil pennin jaadaigalThe flowers display the subtle gestures of a maiden.
Poonthottathil …In the flower garden...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Poonthottathil' is a blissful, romantic, and reflective track that weaves together nature's beauty and human emotions. The song metaphorically depicts flowers, birds, clouds, and rivers as expressions of youthful romance and peace, comparing a woman's shy expressions to delicate garden blooms. Through Kannadasan's lyrical brilliance, nature becomes a living canvas where clouds write poetry, parrot calls serve as worship, and the rhythm of river waves mirrors celebratory music. Beyond its romantic imagery, the song embeds philosophical reflections on time, freedom, self-reliance, and the evolving nature of human thoughts. Ilaiyaraaja's gentle composition paired with S. P. Shailaja's soft vocals brings a serene and idyllic atmosphere to the track.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uvamaani / Metaphor

Poovil pennin jaadaigal

Compares flowers blooming and swaying in the garden to the subtle gestures and expressions of a maiden.

Personification

Kavidhaigal ezhudhuga pudhiya megangal

Attributes human artistic ability to clouds, portraying them as poets writing verses.

Metaphor

Kaalangal deivathin vedhangal

Equates the progression of time to holy divine scriptures created by God.

Emoni / Initial Alliteration

Poonthottathil Poovil pennin jaadaigal

Repetition of the sound 'P' in the beginning words of the verse, creating a soothing rhythmic flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Nathiyai Thedi Vantha Kadal' (1980) features a celebrated soundtrack by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The song highlights S. P. Shailaja's delicate vocal texture, which complements Kannadasan's serene imagery of nature and human emotion.

Keep listening

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