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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Poove Ponnamma

From Kadamai · 1984

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Kadamai1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Poove ponnammaa potti ennammaaOh flower-like golden girl, why this competition?
En polavae aada aalillaiyaeThere is no one to dance like me!
Pazhaiyathu kidakkattum viduLet the past remain in the past, leave it.
Pazhagida mugavari koduGive me your address to become acquainted.
Kalaththila kudhippaenI will jump into the arena.
Kudhiththaal jeyippaenIf I jump, I will win!
Male
Hae poove ponnammaa potti ennammaaHey, flower-like golden girl, why this competition?
En polavae aada aalillaiyaeThere is no one to dance like me!
Pazhaiyathu kidakkattum vidu haLet the past remain in the past, leave it, ha!
Pazhagida mugavari koduGive me your address to become acquainted.
Kalaththila kudhippaenI will jump into the arena.
Kudhiththaal jeyippaen hae….If I jump, I will win, hey!
Male
Kadhalil ennum kannamThe cheek blushing in love,
Maadhulam poovin vannamHas the color of a pomegranate flower.
Kadhalil ennum kannamThe cheek blushing in love,
Maadhulam poovin vannamHas the color of a pomegranate flower.
Male
Maaligai nilaavae indru manmatha vizhaavaeOh moon of the palace, today is Cupid's festival!
Maaligai nilaavae indru manmatha vizhaavaeOh moon of the palace, today is Cupid's festival!
Malligai poovinum melliya thendralA breeze softer than a jasmine flower,
Sattaikkul muththam tharumGives a kiss inside the shirt.
Thalaiyanai thazhuviyumEven by hugging a pillow,
Thanimaiyai vellum thaegam….This body conquers loneliness...
Male
Poove ponnammaa potti ennammaaOh flower-like golden girl, why this competition?
En polavae aada aalillaiyaeThere is no one to dance like me!
Pazhaiyathu kidakkattum vidu hooLet the past remain in the past, leave it, hoo!
Pazhagida mugavari kodu hooGive me your address to become acquainted, hoo!
Kalaththila kudhippaenI will jump into the arena.
Kudhiththaal jeyippaen aha haa….If I jump, I will win, aha haa...
Male
Sonnathai seiyum vegamThe speed to accomplish what was promised,
Idhu panthinai polae pogumThis will bounce along like a ball.
Sonnathai seiyum vegamThe speed to accomplish what was promised,
Idhu panthinai polae pogumThis will bounce along like a ball.
Naattiya vizhaavaa illai kaanbathu kanaavaaIs this a dance festival or am I seeing a dream?
Naattiya vizhaavaa illai kaanbathu kanaavaaIs this a dance festival or am I seeing a dream?
Male
Imaigalil jadhiyilumEven in the rhythm of eyelashes,
En kaalgal aadumMy feet will dance.
Ennangal sonnaal ennaWhat if thoughts are spoken out?
Kadalilae kalantha pinOnce merged into the ocean,
Odaiyae oodal ennaWhy have a feud, oh stream?
Male
Poove ponnammaa potti ennammaaOh flower-like golden girl, why this competition?
En polavae aada aalillaiyaeThere is no one to dance like me!
Pazhaiyathu kidakkattum vidu hoo hooLet the past remain in the past, leave it, hoo hoo!
Pazhagida mugavari kodu haeGive me your address to become acquainted, hae!
Kalaththila kudhippaenI will jump into the arena.
Kudhiththaal jeyippaen ae….If I jump, I will win, ae...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Poove Ponnammaa is a vibrant and energetic song centered around confidence, dance, and youthful banter. The singer boasts about an unmatched talent in dance, challenging others while lightheartedly dismissing past rivalries. The lyrics urge everyone to focus on the present moment, asking to move beyond past grievances and jump into the arena of life and celebration with absolute confidence in victory. Intertwined with this lively competitive spirit are rich romantic images crafted by Vairamuthu. The verses describe cheeks flushed like pomegranate blossoms, soft breezes offering intimate touches, and the urge to express true feelings. Using the metaphor of a stream merging into the endless ocean, the song suggests that once hearts unite, any minor feuds or hesitation should disappear entirely.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Poove ponnammaa potti ennammaa

Repetition of the initial sound 'P' in 'Poove' and 'potti'.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Malligai poovinum melliya thendral

Repetition of the initial 'M' sound in 'Malligai' and 'melliya'.

Etukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Kadhalil ennum kannam / Maadhulam poovin vannam

Rhyming second letter 'nna' in 'kannam' and 'vannam'.

Uvamai (Simile)

Idhu panthinai polae pogum

Comparing the momentum and enthusiasm to the bouncing movement of a ball using 'polae'.

Urugavam (Metaphor)

Kadalilae kalantha pin / Odaiyae oodal enna

Metaphorically comparing lovers joining together to a stream ('odai') merging into the vast ocean ('kadal').

Did you know?

Trivia

This track is featured in the 1984 Tamil action film 'Kadamai', which starred Arjun Sarja in one of his early career roles. The lyrics were penned by legendary lyricist Vairamuthu, known for blending classical Tamil metaphors with contemporary rhythmic beats.

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