P. Jayachandran and P. Susheela exchange witty arguments in ‘Pennalla Nee’ from the album Sonthamadi Nee Enakku. Lyricist Vaali and composer V. Kumar shape this playful duet challenging fixed gender expectations through melodic conversation.
Pennalla Nee
P. Jayachandran | P. Susheela • From “Sonthamadi Nee Enakku”
Sonthamadi Nee Enakku’s Pennalla Nee Tamil Lyrics English Meaning
Vaali quotes Lord Shiva’s half-female form to prove inherent equality. Susheela asserts changing times demand adaptation, opposing rigid traditions with ‘What profit in living without changing?’
Pennalla Neeyoru BommaiYou aren’t a woman, you’re just a doll.
Poiyalla Naan SolvathunmaiIt isn’t a lie, I’m speaking the truth.
Pennalla Neeyoru BommaiYou aren’t a woman, you’re just a doll.
Poiyalla Naan SolvathunmaiIt isn’t a lie, I’m speaking the truth.
Nee Aadum Aattangal YaavumEvery single move you make,
Un Thaayaarin Aanaigal AagumIs just an order from your mother.
Naanthaanaa Thalaiyaattum BommaiAm I really the doll that just nods its head?
Nee Kooda Adhuthaanae UnmaiActually, you’re exactly the same, and that’s the truth.
Annaalil Thaai Sonna SollaiThe words your mother spoke back in the day,
Ennaalum Nee ThaandavillaiYou’ve never once dared to disobey.
Than Maeni Paadhi Pen Maeni PaathiHis own body is half, and the woman’s body is the other half,
Edharkaga Sivan Nindru KondaanWhy do you think Lord Shiva stood in that form?
Ondrodu Ondru Vilagaamal NindruStanding together, inseparable and united,
Uravaadal Nalam Endru SonnaanHe declared that such unity is good.
Yaen Intha Thegam Yaen Intha VaathamWhy this hesitation? Why this needless argument?
Inimaelum Pidivaatham PothumEnough with your stubbornness from now on.
Pennalla Neeyoru BommaiYou aren’t a woman, you’re just a doll.
Poiyalla Naan SolvathunmaiIt isn’t a lie, I’m speaking the truth.
Nee Aadum Aattangal YaavumEvery single move you make,
Un Thaayaarin Aanaigal AagumIs just an order from your mother.
Munnooru VarudamThree hundred years ago,
Munnaadi SonnaalIf you had said this back then,
Un Pechai Pen Ketka KoodumA woman might’ve actually listened to you.
Venn Megam Thaandi Vinmeethu EndruBut now, crossing the white clouds and reaching for the stars,
Pen Paavai Selgindra KaalamWomen are traveling far beyond boundaries in this era.
Kaalangal Maarum Kolangal MaarumTimes change, and appearances change too,
Maaraamal Vazhanthenna LaabamWhat’s the point of living if we don’t change with them?
Naanthaanaa Thalaiyaattum BommaiAm I really the doll that just nods its head?
Nee Kooda Adhuthaanae UnmaiActually, you’re exactly the same, and that’s the truth.
Annaalil Thaai Sonna SollaiThe words your mother spoke back in the day,
Ennaalum Nee ThaandavillaiYou’ve never once dared to disobey.
Pennalla Neeyoru BommaiYou aren’t a woman, you’re just a doll.
Poiyalla Naan SolvathunmaiIt isn’t a lie, I’m speaking the truth.
Nee Aadum Aattangal YaavumEvery single move you make,
Un Thaayaarin Aanaigal AagumIs just an order from your mother.
Pennalla Nee Music Video
Vaali’s Pennalla Nee lyrics meaning centers on mutual respect, using religious imagery and modern reasoning. The Sonthamadi Nee Enakku album delivers this social critique through accessible lyrics translation.