Sokku Podi Pottaye
From Pattu Selai · 1985
- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singers
- S. Janaki, K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Gangai Amaran
- Details
- Pattu Selai1985
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Sokku podi pottaayae maman kannaalae | You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle, |
| Sonnapadi kettu naan vaaraen pinnaalae | Obeying your word, I follow right behind you. |
| Sengarumbu melae siththerumbu polae | Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane, |
| Naan thottukkavaa pattukkavaa | Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you? |
| Female | |
| Sokku podi | Magical spellbinding powder... |
| Sokku podi pottaayae maman kannaalae | You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle, |
| Sonnapadi kettu naan vaaraen pinnaalae | Obeying your word, I follow right behind you. |
| Female | |
| Poovaana nenja neththu maranthaen | Yesterday I forgot my tender flower-like heart, |
| Ponnaana unna sekka maranthaen | I forgot to embrace you, my golden one, |
| Pondattiyaa vaazha maranthaen | I forgot to live with you as your wife, |
| Ippothaanae kanna thoranthaen | Only now have I opened my eyes. |
| Female | |
| Poovaana nenja neththu maranthaen | Yesterday I forgot my tender flower-like heart, |
| Ponnaana unna sekka maranthaen | I forgot to embrace you, my golden one, |
| Pondattiyaa vaazha maranthaen | I forgot to live with you as your wife, |
| Ippothaanae kanna thoranthaen | Only now have I opened my eyes. |
| Machchaan unna enni vanthaen | Thinking only of you, my man, I came, |
| Achchaaramaa onnu thanthaen | I gave you something as a sweet pledge. |
| Male | |
| Sokku podi….. | Magical spellbinding powder... |
| Sokku podi pottaa | A spellbinding powder was cast, |
| Oru ponnu kannaalae | By a young woman with her eyes. |
| Sonnapadi kettu naan vanthaen pinnaalae | Obeying her word, I came following behind. |
| Sengarumbu melae siththerumbu polae | Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane, |
| Naan thottukkavaa pattukkavaa | Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you? |
| Male | |
| Sokku podi | Magical spellbinding powder... |
| Sokku podi pottaa | A spellbinding powder was cast, |
| Oru ponnu kannaalae | By a young woman with her eyes. |
| Sonnapadi kettu naan vanthaen pinnaalae…ae…. | Obeying her word, I came following behind... |
| Male | |
| Kattilarai paadam kittavillaiyae | The lessons of the bedchamber were not yet learned, |
| Kanni ilam maanai thottathillaiyae | This young virgin deer was never touched. |
| Muththu idhazhaal muththam illaiyae | There was no kiss from pearl-like lips, |
| Munniruntha pothum siththam illaiyae…ae…. | Even though you were right before me, my mind was not ready... |
| Male | |
| Kattilarai paadam kittavillaiyae | The lessons of the bedchamber were not yet learned, |
| Kanni ilam maanai thottathillaiyae | This young virgin deer was never touched. |
| Muththu idhazhaal muththam illaiyae | There was no kiss from pearl-like lips, |
| Munniruntha pothum siththam illaiyae…ae…. | Even though you were right before me, my mind was not ready... |
| Kannae enthan ponnae unnai | My eye, my golden precious one, you, |
| Kayil alla vaammaa mella | Come slowly so I can gather you in my arms. |
| Female | |
| Sokku podi…. | Magical spellbinding powder... |
| Sokku podi pottaayae maman kannaalae | You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle, |
| Sonnapadi kettu naan vaaraen pinnaalae | Obeying your word, I follow right behind you. |
| Sengarumbu melae siththerumbu polae | Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane, |
| Naan thottukkavaa pattukkavaa | Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you? |
| Male | |
| Sokku podi | Magical spellbinding powder... |
| Sokku podi pottaa | A spellbinding powder was cast, |
| Oru ponnu kannaalae | By a young woman with her eyes. |
| Sonnapadi kettu naan vanthaen pinnaalae | Obeying her word, I came following behind. |
| Sengarumbu melae siththerumbu polae | Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane, |
| Naan thottukkavaa pattukkavaa | Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you? |
| Female | |
| Sokku podi…. | Magical spellbinding powder... |
| Sokku podi pottaayae maman kannaalae | You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle, |
| Male :Aa…..Sonnapadi kettu naan vanthaen pinnaalae…ae…. | Male: Ah... Obeying your word, I came following right behind... |
சொக்குப் பொடி போட்டாயே மாமன் கண்ணாலே
சொன்னபடி கேட்டு நான் வாரேன் பின்னாலே
செங்கரும்பு மேலே சித்தெறும்பு போலே
நான் தொட்டுக்கவா பட்டுக்கவா......
You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle,
Obeying your word, I follow right behind you.
Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane,
Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you?
சொக்குப் பொடி.....
சொக்குப் பொடி போட்டாயே மாமன் கண்ணாலே
சொன்னபடி கேட்டு நான் வாரேன் பின்னாலே
Magical spellbinding powder...
You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle,
Obeying your word, I follow right behind you.
பூவான நெஞ்ச நேத்து மறந்தேன்
பொன்னான உன்ன சேக்க மறந்தேன்
பொண்டாட்டியா வாழ மறந்தேன்
இப்போதானே கண்ண தொறந்தேன்
Yesterday I forgot my tender flower-like heart,
I forgot to embrace you, my golden one,
I forgot to live with you as your wife,
Only now have I opened my eyes.
பூவான நெஞ்ச நேத்து மறந்தேன்
பொன்னான உன்ன சேக்க மறந்தேன்
பொண்டாட்டியா வாழ மறந்தேன்
இப்போதானே கண்ண தொறந்தேன்
மச்சான் உன்ன எண்ணி வந்தேன்
அச்சாரமா ஒண்ணு தந்தேன்
Yesterday I forgot my tender flower-like heart,
I forgot to embrace you, my golden one,
I forgot to live with you as your wife,
Only now have I opened my eyes.
Thinking only of you, my man, I came,
I gave you something as a sweet pledge.
சொக்குப் பொடி
சொக்குப் பொடி போட்டா
ஒரு பொண்ணு கண்ணாலே
சொன்னபடி கேட்டு நான் வந்தேன் பின்னாலே
செங்கரும்பு மேலே சித்தெறும்பு போலே
நான் தொட்டுக்கவா பட்டுக்கவா....
Magical spellbinding powder...
A spellbinding powder was cast,
By a young woman with her eyes.
Obeying her word, I came following behind.
Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane,
Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you?
சொக்குப் பொடி
சொக்குப் பொடி போட்டா
ஒரு பொண்ணு கண்ணாலே
சொன்னபடி கேட்டு நான் வந்தேன் பின்னாலே...ஏ....
Magical spellbinding powder...
A spellbinding powder was cast,
By a young woman with her eyes.
Obeying her word, I came following behind...
கட்டிலறை பாடம் கிட்டவில்லையே
கன்னி இளம் மானை தொட்டதில்லையே
முத்து இதழால் முத்தம் இல்லையே
முன்னிருந்த போதும் சித்தம் இல்லையே...ஏ.....
The lessons of the bedchamber were not yet learned,
This young virgin deer was never touched.
There was no kiss from pearl-like lips,
Even though you were right before me, my mind was not ready...
கட்டிலறை பாடம் கிட்டவில்லையே
கன்னி இளம் மானை தொட்டதில்லையே
முத்து இதழால் முத்தம் இல்லையே
முன்னிருந்த போதும் சித்தம் இல்லையே...ஏ.....
கண்ணே எந்தன் பொன்னே உன்னை
கையில் அள்ள வாம்மா மெல்ல.....
The lessons of the bedchamber were not yet learned,
This young virgin deer was never touched.
There was no kiss from pearl-like lips,
Even though you were right before me, my mind was not ready...
My eye, my golden precious one, you,
Come slowly so I can gather you in my arms.
சொக்குப் பொடி.....
சொக்குப் பொடி போட்டாயே மாமன் கண்ணாலே
சொன்னபடி கேட்டு நான் வாரேன் பின்னாலே
செங்கரும்பு மேலே சித்தெறும்பு போலே
நான் தொட்டுக்கவா பட்டுக்கவா......
Magical spellbinding powder...
You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle,
Obeying your word, I follow right behind you.
Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane,
Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you?
சொக்குப் பொடி
சொக்குப் பொடி போட்டா
ஒரு பொண்ணு கண்ணாலே
சொன்னபடி கேட்டு நான் வந்தேன் பின்னாலே...ஏ....
செங்கரும்பு மேலே சித்தெறும்பு போலே
நான் தொட்டுக்கவா பட்டுக்கவா....
Magical spellbinding powder...
A spellbinding powder was cast,
By a young woman with her eyes.
Obeying her word, I came following behind.
Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane,
Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you?
சொக்குப் பொடி.....
சொக்குப் பொடி போட்டாயே மாமன் கண்ணாலே
ஆஅ.....சொன்னபடி கேட்டு நான் வந்தேன் பின்னாலே...ஏ....
Magical spellbinding powder...
You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle,
Male: Ah... Obeying your word, I came following right behind...
Sokku podi pottaayae maman kannaalae
You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle,
Sonnapadi kettu naan vaaraen pinnaalae
Obeying your word, I follow right behind you.
Sengarumbu melae siththerumbu polae
Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane,
Naan thottukkavaa pattukkavaa
Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you?
Sokku podi
Magical spellbinding powder...
Sokku podi pottaayae maman kannaalae
You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle,
Sonnapadi kettu naan vaaraen pinnaalae
Obeying your word, I follow right behind you.
Poovaana nenja neththu maranthaen
Yesterday I forgot my tender flower-like heart,
Ponnaana unna sekka maranthaen
I forgot to embrace you, my golden one,
Pondattiyaa vaazha maranthaen
I forgot to live with you as your wife,
Ippothaanae kanna thoranthaen
Only now have I opened my eyes.
Poovaana nenja neththu maranthaen
Yesterday I forgot my tender flower-like heart,
Ponnaana unna sekka maranthaen
I forgot to embrace you, my golden one,
Pondattiyaa vaazha maranthaen
I forgot to live with you as your wife,
Ippothaanae kanna thoranthaen
Only now have I opened my eyes.
Machchaan unna enni vanthaen
Thinking only of you, my man, I came,
Achchaaramaa onnu thanthaen
I gave you something as a sweet pledge.
Sokku podi…..
Magical spellbinding powder...
Sokku podi pottaa
A spellbinding powder was cast,
Oru ponnu kannaalae
By a young woman with her eyes.
Sonnapadi kettu naan vanthaen pinnaalae
Obeying her word, I came following behind.
Sengarumbu melae siththerumbu polae
Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane,
Naan thottukkavaa pattukkavaa
Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you?
Sokku podi
Magical spellbinding powder...
Sokku podi pottaa
A spellbinding powder was cast,
Oru ponnu kannaalae
By a young woman with her eyes.
Sonnapadi kettu naan vanthaen pinnaalae…ae….
Obeying her word, I came following behind...
Kattilarai paadam kittavillaiyae
The lessons of the bedchamber were not yet learned,
Kanni ilam maanai thottathillaiyae
This young virgin deer was never touched.
Muththu idhazhaal muththam illaiyae
There was no kiss from pearl-like lips,
Munniruntha pothum siththam illaiyae…ae….
Even though you were right before me, my mind was not ready...
Kattilarai paadam kittavillaiyae
The lessons of the bedchamber were not yet learned,
Kanni ilam maanai thottathillaiyae
This young virgin deer was never touched.
Muththu idhazhaal muththam illaiyae
There was no kiss from pearl-like lips,
Munniruntha pothum siththam illaiyae…ae….
Even though you were right before me, my mind was not ready...
Kannae enthan ponnae unnai
My eye, my golden precious one, you,
Kayil alla vaammaa mella
Come slowly so I can gather you in my arms.
Sokku podi….
Magical spellbinding powder...
Sokku podi pottaayae maman kannaalae
You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle,
Sonnapadi kettu naan vaaraen pinnaalae
Obeying your word, I follow right behind you.
Sengarumbu melae siththerumbu polae
Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane,
Naan thottukkavaa pattukkavaa
Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you?
Sokku podi
Magical spellbinding powder...
Sokku podi pottaa
A spellbinding powder was cast,
Oru ponnu kannaalae
By a young woman with her eyes.
Sonnapadi kettu naan vanthaen pinnaalae
Obeying her word, I came following behind.
Sengarumbu melae siththerumbu polae
Like a tiny ant crawling on sweet red sugarcane,
Naan thottukkavaa pattukkavaa
Shall I touch you, shall I embrace you?
Sokku podi….
Magical spellbinding powder...
Sokku podi pottaayae maman kannaalae
You cast a spell with your eyes, my dear uncle,
Male :Aa…..Sonnapadi kettu naan vanthaen pinnaalae…ae….
Male: Ah... Obeying your word, I came following right behind...
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This romantic duet expresses the enchantment and playful courtship between two lovers. The heroine sings about how her lover has mesmerized her with his glances as if using a magical spellbinding powder ('sokku podi'). She regrets the time lost before realizing her deep affection and expresses her desire to embrace married life with him. The male protagonist echoes her feelings, admitting that her alluring gaze hypnotized him as well. Through sweet metaphors of virgin innocence, bedchamber lessons, and sweet sugarcane, the song captures the blossoming physical and emotional intimacy between the couple.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Sengarumbu melae siththerumbu polae”
Compares the delicate, sweet interaction of the lovers to a tiny ant clinging to red sugarcane.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Poovaana nenja neththu maranthaen / Ponnaana unna sekka maranthaen”
Compares the heart to a tender flower and the lover to pure gold.
Alliteration & Monai
“Sokku podi pottaayae maman kannaalae”
Repetition of initial consonants ('So', 'Senn', 'Sithth') creates rhythmic melody.
Anaphora / Rhyme (Edhugai)
“Kattilarai paadam kittavillaiyae / Kanni ilam maanai thottathillaiyae”
Rhyming line endings ('kittamillaiyae', 'thottathillaiyae', 'illaiyae') enhance lyrical flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed and written by Gangai Amaran for the 1985 Tamil film 'Pattu Selai', this song features the legendary vocal pairing of S. Janaki and K. J. Yesudas, known for their expressive delivery in romantic village-style folk duets.
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