Haricharan and Nithya Mammen perform “Aayiram Poo” from the album “Por Paravai,” with lyrics by Yugabharathi. The song begins by asking if a partner is the “fragrance of a thousand flowers.” This opening establishes a tone of deep reverence between the two singers.
The verses use rustic imagery to show the relationship’s powerful effect. Yugabharathi’s lyrics state that their connection can make dry firewood produce milk. Another line suggests that kind words can remove the bitterness from a castor bean.
Ayiram Poo Vasamo NeeAre you the fragrance of a thousand flowers?
Thaya Un PasamYour motherly affection,
Theriya Varum Neramthe moment I understood it,
Pathene SamiyaI saw a god.
Kodaiyile KoodaEven in the summer,
Pozhigira Agasama sky pours down with rain,
Kattudhu Un Nesamthat’s what your love reveals.
Vesa KathumA harsh wind,
Velagadho Nee Pathawon’t it part ways when you look?
Pudhusa NaI feel as if
Poranthene PoongathaaI’m born anew, my gentle breeze.
Eecham Pazhama Neeyum SirichaIf you smile as sweet as a wild date,
Nadunisi Kooda Pagala Marumeven midnight will turn into day.
Oonchal Kayira Uravula AsanchaIf our bond sways like a swing’s rope,
Kancha Veragum Pala Oorumeven dry firewood will ooze milk.
Kanneranja Ona PathaWhen I see you with my eyes full of tears,
Sangadangal Thodarathemy sorrows no longer follow.
Chellam Konjam Ona PesaWhen you speak with such affection,
Amanakkum Kasakkatheeven a castor bean doesn’t taste bitter.
Ayiram PooA thousand flowers…
Vasamo NeeAre you their fragrance?
Sollumbothe SokkipokumJust saying it makes me swoon,
Sokkipokum Sogam Neeyeyou’re the sorrow that makes me swoon.
Panjam Pasi IrundhalumEven when there was famine and hunger,
Pasa Ragam Padichayeyou sang a melody of affection.
Nenjukkuli NaduvaleIn the very center of my heart,
Paya Nee Virichayeyou spread out a mat for me to rest.
Muthumani Mala Venam MamaI don’t need a pearl necklace, my love.
Kadhala Thandi Yethum Illa AmaThere’s nothing beyond love, it’s true.
Thanni Adha Neenga Kedaiyathu MeeneWithout you, the water, I am not a fish.
Un Vazhi Sernthe Nada PoduveneI will walk beside you on your path.
Ayiram PooA thousand flowers…
Vasamo NeeAre you their fragrance?
Thaya Un PasamYour motherly affection,
Theriya Varum Neramthe moment I understood it,
Pathene SamiyaI saw a god.
Kodaiyile KoodaEven in the summer,
Pozhigira Agasama sky pours down with rain,
Kattudhu Un Nesamthat’s what your love reveals.
Vesa KathumEven a biting wind,
Velagadho Nee Pathawon’t it step aside for your gaze?
Pudhusa NaI feel completely
Poranthene Poongathaaremade, my sweet-scented breeze.
The song progresses from admiration to a form of spiritual worship. An initial question about a flower’s scent leads to the declaration, “I saw a god.” The meaning of the ‘Aayiram Poo’ lyrics presents love as a force that makes hardship manageable and beautiful.
