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Poikkal Kudhirai album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Pottu Vacha Ponnukkaga

From Poikkal Kudhirai · 1983

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, Vani Jairam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Movie name
Poikkal Kudhirai
Movie release year
1983
Lyrics added on
1 Sept 2022

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Pottu vachcha ponnukkaaga
Pottu vachchenae
Adhukku achchaaramaa unna ippo
Thottu vachcheane
Pottu vachcha ponnukkaaga
Pottu vachchenae
Adhukku achchaaramaa unna ippo
Thottu vachcheane
Sambantham pettreduththa chinnakuyilae
Un sambantham venumadi vanna kuyilae
Sambantham pettreduththa chinnakuyilae
Un sambantham venumadi vanna kuyilae
Sammatham thanthuvidu seekkiram vanthu vidu
Naal paarththu sollurappo
Thol paarththu maalai idu
Pottu vachcha ponnukkaaga
Pottu vachchenae
Adhukku achchaaramaa unna ippo
Thottu vachcheane
Killaama killi vachcha mullai arumbu
Idhu vettaamal vetti vachcha vanna karumbu
Killaama killi vachcha mullai arumbu
Idhu vettaamal vetti vachcha vanna karumbu
Onnaththaan ennai vara chinnakkaal pinni vara
Vaan paarththa bhoomikkippo neer vaarkka vanthu vidu
Potu vachcha ponnu
Nenja thottu vachchaanae
Paruva paattukkuththaan machchaan
Nalla mettu vachchaanae
Angaala amman koyil thangarathamae
Female :Idhu aththaana muththaadaththaan thaththi varumae
Male :Angaala amman koyil thangarathamae
Female :Idhu aththaana muththaadaththaan thaththi varumae
Male :Thithtikkum vanna mugam dindigul vaazhappazham
Female :Vaayaara neeyum thinna vaagaana neram varum
Pottu vachcha ponnukkaaga
Pottu vachchenae
Adhukku achchaaramaa unna ippo
Thottu vachcheane
Panjukku pakkaththula vachcha neruppi
Female :Idhu paththikka kaaththirukku pakkam varappo
Male :Panjukku pakkaththula vachcha neruppi
Female :Idhu paththikka kaaththirukku pakkam varappo
Male :Atta pol ottikkadi anbe nee kattikkadi
Female :Mamaavae enna neeyum poomaala poottu pudi
Potu vachcha ponnu
Nenja thottu vachchaanae
Paruva paattukkuththaan machchaan
Nalla mettu vachchaanae
For the girl wearing a bindi,
I have staked my claim!
And as a token of promise,
I have touched you right now!
For the girl wearing a bindi,
I have staked my claim!
And as a token of promise,
I have touched you right now!
Little songbird born into my family,
I want to wed you, my colorful bird!
Little songbird born into my family,
I want to wed you, my colorful bird!
Give your consent and come to me soon!
When an auspicious day is chosen,
Look at my shoulders and place the wedding garland!
For the girl wearing a bindi,
I have staked my claim!
And as a token of promise,
I have touched you right now!
A fresh jasmine bud, pure and untouched,
A sweet stalk of sugarcane, ripe for the taking!
A fresh jasmine bud, pure and untouched,
A sweet stalk of sugarcane, ripe for the taking!
Walking as one with me, our steps falling together,
Like rain on thirsty land, come shower your love!
The girl who wore a bindi—
He has touched her heart!
For this song of youth, my sweetheart
Has set a wonderful tune!
Golden chariot of the Angala Amman temple!
It comes dancing forward just to kiss her man!
Golden chariot of the Angala Amman temple!
It comes dancing forward just to kiss her man!
A sweet, glowing face like a tasty Dindigul banana!
The right time will come for you to savor it fully!
For the girl wearing a bindi,
I have staked my claim!
And as a token of promise,
I have touched you right now!
You are a spark placed right beside dry cotton!
It is waiting to burst into flames when you come near!
You are a spark placed right beside dry cotton!
It is waiting to burst into flames when you come near!
Cling close to me, my love, and embrace me!
My sweetheart, put a flower garland on me and take my hand!
The girl who wore a bindi—
He has touched her heart!
For this song of youth, my sweetheart
Has set a wonderful tune!
Male
Male
Male
Male
Female
Female
Male
Male
Male
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This playful and romantic duet expresses the affectionate banter and passionate longing between two lovers looking forward to their upcoming marriage. The male protagonist sings of how he earmarked his bride and sealed their promise with a loving touch, while comparing her beauty to pristine flowers, sweet sugarcane, and temple chariots. In turn, the female protagonist responds eagerly, acknowledging how her heart was won by his charming tune and anticipating the moment they unite in marriage.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Thithtikkum vanna mugam dindigul vaazhappazham

The male lead compares the heroine's sweet face to 'Dindigul vaazhappazham' (Dindigul banana) to highlight her natural sweetness and charm.

Simile (Uvamai)

Panjukku pakkaththula vachcha neruppi

The passionate romantic tension is compared to fire placed next to cotton ('Panjukku pakkaththula vachcha neruppi'), indicating how easily passion ignites.

Emona / Rhyme (Monai and Etukai)

Killaama killi vachcha mullai arumbu / Idhu vettaamal vetti vachcha vanna karumbu

Rhythmic repetition and end-rhyming such as 'killi vachcha' and 'vetti vachcha' create a cheerful folk tempo.

Did you know?

Trivia

Poikkal Kudhirai (1983) was directed by legendary filmmaker K. Balachander, adapted from his popular play 'Water' written by Komal Swaminathan. MS Viswanathan composed the soundtrack, blending classic Tamil folk sensibilities with playful duet structures.

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