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Lyrics & meaning

Pottu Vacha Ponnukkaga

From Poikkal Kudhirai · 1983

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
Malaysia Vasudevan, Vani Jairam
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Poikkal Kudhirai1983

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pottu vachcha ponnukkaagaFor the girl who wears a bindi,
Pottu vachchenaeI set aside a bindi (earmarked my love).
Adhukku achchaaramaa unna ippoAs a token/advance for that, now,
Thottu vachcheaneI have touched you.
Male
Pottu vachcha ponnukkaagaFor the girl who wears a bindi,
Pottu vachchenaeI set aside a bindi.
Adhukku achchaaramaa unna ippoAs a token for that, now,
Thottu vachcheaneI have touched you.
Male
Sambantham pettreduththa chinnakuyilaeOh little cuckoo born to relatives,
Un sambantham venumadi vanna kuyilaeI want a life alliance with you, colourful cuckoo!
Sambantham pettreduththa chinnakuyilaeOh little cuckoo born to relatives,
Un sambantham venumadi vanna kuyilaeI want a life alliance with you, colourful cuckoo!
Sammatham thanthuvidu seekkiram vanthu viduGive your consent and come quickly,
Naal paarththu sollurappoWhen an auspicious date is chosen and announced,
Thol paarththu maalai iduLook at my shoulders and place the wedding garland!
Male
Pottu vachcha ponnukkaagaFor the girl who wears a bindi,
Pottu vachchenaeI set aside a bindi.
Adhukku achchaaramaa unna ippoAs a token for that, now,
Thottu vachcheaneI have touched you.
Female
Killaama killi vachcha mullai arumbuA jasmine bud plucked without plucking,
Idhu vettaamal vetti vachcha vanna karumbuA colourful sugarcane harvested without harvesting,
Killaama killi vachcha mullai arumbuA jasmine bud plucked without plucking,
Idhu vettaamal vetti vachcha vanna karumbuA colourful sugarcane harvested without harvesting,
Onnaththaan ennai vara chinnakkaal pinni varaComing to draw you near, as tiny feet intertwine,
Vaan paarththa bhoomikkippo neer vaarkka vanthu viduCome like water pouring onto the parched land awaiting rain!
Female
Potu vachcha ponnuFor the girl who wears a bindi,
Nenja thottu vachchaanaeHe touched my heart.
Paruva paattukkuththaan machchaanFor the song of youth, my cousin/lover
Nalla mettu vachchaanaeHas set a fine melody.
Male
Angaala amman koyil thangarathamaeLike the golden chariot of Angaala Amman temple,
Female :Idhu aththaana muththaadaththaan thaththi varumaeThis chariot prances along to kiss her cousin.
Male :Angaala amman koyil thangarathamaeLike the golden chariot of Angaala Amman temple,
Female :Idhu aththaana muththaadaththaan thaththi varumaeThis chariot prances along to kiss her cousin.
Male :Thithtikkum vanna mugam dindigul vaazhappazhamA sweet, vibrant face like a Dindigul banana,
Female :Vaayaara neeyum thinna vaagaana neram varumThe right time will come for you to enjoy to your heart's content.
Male
Pottu vachcha ponnukkaagaFor the girl who wears a bindi,
Pottu vachchenaeI set aside a bindi.
Adhukku achchaaramaa unna ippoAs a token for that, now,
Thottu vachcheaneI have touched you.
Male
Panjukku pakkaththula vachcha neruppiLike fire placed near dry cotton,
Female :Idhu paththikka kaaththirukku pakkam varappoIt waits to catch fire when you come close.
Male :Panjukku pakkaththula vachcha neruppiLike fire placed near dry cotton,
Female :Idhu paththikka kaaththirukku pakkam varappoIt waits to catch fire when you come close.
Male :Atta pol ottikkadi anbe nee kattikkadiStick to me like a leech, my love, wrap yourself around me!
Female :Mamaavae enna neeyum poomaala poottu pudiOh uncle/lover, lock me in with a garland of flowers!
Female
Potu vachcha ponnuFor the girl who wears a bindi,
Nenja thottu vachchaanaeHe touched my heart.
Paruva paattukkuththaan machchaanFor the song of youth, my cousin/lover
Nalla mettu vachchaanaeHas set a fine melody.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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