Shankar Mahadevan – Pooparikka Neeyum Lyrics In English (Translation)

Poo Parikka Neeyum Pogaadhey,
Unna Paathaaley
Pookkalukkul Kaththi Sandhaiyadi
Thandhaane Thandhaane

Don’t go to pluck flowers, my dear,
When you appear, even flowers start a fierce beauty battle.

Pottu Veikka Neeyum Pogaadhey,
Unna Paathaaley
Kannaadi Kaigal Neettumadi
Thandhaane Thandhaane

Don’t go to wear a bindi, sweetheart,
Mirrors stretch out their hands just to touch you.

Kovilukku Neeyum Pogaadhey,
Gopurangal Saanjip Paakumadi, Paakumadi

Don’t step into the temple either,
Even the tall towers will bend, admiring your grace.

Kaatukkulle Neeyum Pogaadhey,
Kottugira Thaene Koottam
Thaene Edukka Udhadhaich Suthumadi

Don’t enter the forest, my love,
The buzzing swarm of bees will circle around,
Thinking you’re the sweetest nectar.

Poo Parikka Neeyum Pogaadhey,
Unna Paathaaley
Pookkalukkul Kaththi Sandhaiyadi… Hoo

Don’t go near flowers, again I say—
Your presence sparks a riot among them!

Yelae Lelae Yelae,
Yelae Lelae Yelae,
Yelae Lelae Yelae Lelae,
Yelay Yelayalae

(Energetic chant – reflecting playful, youthful spirit)

Sooraavali Pola Pogira
Indha Ilamaiya,
Yaaraachum Thadukka Mudiyumaa?

This youth flashes by like a lightning bolt,
Who could ever try to stop it?

Suthi Suthi Aattam Podura
Indha Vayasidam,
Yaaraachum Nerunga Mudiyumaa?… Hooo

This age spins around in joy,
Can anyone even get close to it?

Hey Ga Ga Ga Ri Ga Ri Sa Sa
Sa Ni Ni Sa,
Ga Ga Ga Ri Ga Ri Sa Sa Aa Aa Aa

(Carnatic swaras – mimicking rhythm and musical ecstasy)

Hmmm, Aathukkulla Nee Kulichaa
Ange Ulla Meenu Ellaam
Meesaiya Thaan Suthikkittu
Alaiyudhadi

If you bathe inside the house,
Even the little fish inside the tank
Twirl their whiskers and swim around you flirtatiously!

Aatukutti Kooda Ippo
Dhaadi Onnu Vachikkittu
Oru Thalai Kaadhaludan Thiriyudhadi

Even the baby goat now sports a beard,
Roaming around in one-sided love!

Kuchippudi, Kathakali Ellaam
Un Nadaiyilae
Pudhu Pudhu Paadam Padikkumey

Your graceful walk teaches new lessons
To classical dances like Kuchipudi and Kathakali.

Rangoli Kolam Edhukkadi,
Konjam Vekkappadu
Kannaththil Vannam Pirakkumey

Why bother with rangoli on the floor?
Your shy blush paints colors right on your cheeks.

Naadu Vittu Naadu Varum
Vedanthangal Vellai Puraa
Yaar Manadhil Koodukatta Varugiradhu?

Birds migrate from land to land,
Spreading white feathers across the sky,
Just to build a nest in someone’s heart— whose could it be?

Kaal Mulacha Sooriyan-Aa
Dhool Kelappi Suthuriye
Unnidathil Endha Nilaa Oli Perumo?

The sun rises stomping its foot, spinning in dust—
But can it ever match the moonlight you carry within?

Vattam Idum Pattaampoochiye
Un Vannam Ellam
Ottikolla Poovum Poothirukku

Even the circling butterfly,
Sees your colors and blooms itself just to match you.

Thittam Illa Desaiyum Illaiye,
Un Vaalibam Parandhida
Thadaiyum Engirukku?

There’s no map, no boundaries
So where’s the force that can stop your youth from flying free?