T. M. Soundararajan performs ‘Podanum Nalla Podanum’ from the album Thenkinnam. Lyricist Kumaradevan and composer Shankar Ganesh shape this satirical take on social advancement. The song compares flattery to applying soap with energetic vocals.
Podanum Nalla Podanum
T. M. Soundararajan • From “Thenkinnam”
Podanum Nalla Podanum Lyrics Translation (from “Thenkinnam”)
Kumaradevan links flattery to political climbing: applying ‘soap’ to people makes one a party worker. Further ‘soap’ application to the worker leads to leadership roles. The lyrics outline a cynical path to power.
Podanum Nalla PodanumYou’ve got to apply it, apply it well.
Jora Podanum Soapu PodanumApply it grandly, you’ve got to apply the ‘soap’ of flattery.
Podanum Nalla PodanumYou’ve got to apply it, apply it well.
Jora Podanum Soapu PodanumApply it grandly, you’ve got to apply the ‘soap’ of flattery.
Nenachathu NadakkanunnaaIf you want your dreams to come true.
Nenachchathu Nadakkanunnaa Neram Kaalam PaarthuIf you want your dreams to come true, watch for the right time.
Nalla Podanum Soapu PodanumYou’ve got to apply it well, apply the ‘soap’ of flattery.
Pethavanga Namakku PottaThe ‘soap’ our parents applied to us.
Adhey Soappa Maaththi IppoChanging that same ‘soap’ now.
Pethavanga Namakku PottaThe ‘soap’ our parents applied to us.
Adhey Soappa Maaththi IppoChanging that same ‘soap’ now.
Mathavanga Manangulira Madamada Enna Palapala EnnaTo please others’ hearts, let it flow and let it shine.
Podanum Nalla PodanumYou’ve got to apply it, apply it well.
Jora Podanum Soapu PodanumApply it grandly, you’ve got to apply the ‘soap’ of flattery.
Maamiyarkku Soapu PottaIf you apply ‘soap’ to the mother-in-law.
Magalai KattikkalamYou can marry her daughter.
Antha Magalai Konjam Soapu PotaIf you apply a little ‘soap’ to that daughter.
Kadhal PannikkalamYou can win her heart in love.
Mamanaarkku Soapu PottaIf you apply ‘soap’ to the father-in-law.
Magalai KattikkalamYou can marry her daughter.
Antha Magalai Konjam Soapu PotaIf you apply a little ‘soap’ to that daughter.
Kadhal PannikkalamYou can win her heart in love.
Adhaiyae Machanukkum Serthu PottaIf you apply that same ‘soap’ to the brother-in-law too.
Maja PannikkalamYou can have a grand old time.
Aahaa Maja PannikkalamOh, you can have a grand old time!
Janangalukku Soapu PottaIf you apply ‘soap’ to the people.
Thondan AagalamYou can become a party worker.
Antha Thondanukkae Soapu PottaIf you apply ‘soap’ to that very worker.
ThalaivanagalamYou can become a leader.
Janangalukku Soapu PottaIf you apply ‘soap’ to the people.
Thondan AagalamYou can become a party worker.
Antha Thondanukkae Soapu PottaIf you apply ‘soap’ to that very worker.
ThalaivanagalamYou can become a leader.
Oorukkellaam Soapu PottaIf you apply ‘soap’ to the entire town.
Vote VaangalamYou can win their votes.
Oorukkellaam Soapu PottaIf you apply ‘soap’ to the entire town.
Vote VaangalamYou can win their votes.
Antha Vote Irunthaa Pothum Intha Naatai AalalamIf you’ve got those votes, it’s enough to rule this nation.
Aamaam Naatai AalalamYes, you can rule the nation.
AdhanaalaeAnd so.
Podanum Nalla PodanumYou’ve got to apply it, apply it well.
Jora Podanum Soapu PodanumApply it grandly, you’ve got to apply the ‘soap’ of flattery.
Nenachchathu Nadakkanunnaa Neram Kaalam PaarthuIf you want your dreams to come true, watch for the right time.
Nalla Podanum Soapu PodanumYou’ve got to apply it well, apply the ‘soap’ of flattery.
Jora Podanum Soapu PodanumApply it grandly, you’ve got to apply the ‘soap’ of flattery.
Podanum Nalla Podanum Music Video
The Thenkinnam album’s Podanum Nalla Podanum lyrics meaning dissects how calculated praise opens doors in society. Listeners access Kumaradevan’s sharp commentary through Shankar Ganesh’s upbeat composition.