L. R. Eswari delivers ‘Ponnale Vazhum Ulagam’ from ‘Annaiyum Pithavum,’ a Tamil track written by Kannadasan and composed by M. S. Viswanathan. This 1969 release offers a vibrant debate. It compares gold’s value to a woman’s essence. The song questions what truly enriches life.
Released: December 31, 1969
Ponnale Vazhum Ulagam
Kannadasan | L. R. Eswari • From “Annaiyum Pithavum”
Ponnale Vazhum Ulagam Lyrics Translation (from “Annaiyum Pithavum”)
Kannadasan’s lyrics contrast gold, which “rolls and plays,” with a woman, who “unfolds and plays.” The song asks directly, “Gold or woman, what do you truly need?” It describes her body as precious, while gold cannot provide a kiss.
Ponnale Vazhum Pudhiya Ulagam IdhuThis is a new world that lives by gold.
Ponnale Vazhum Pudhiya Ulagam IdhuThis is a new world that lives by gold.
Pennale Vazhum Periya Ulagam AdhuThat’s a great world that lives by a woman.
Pennale Vazhum Periya Ulagam AdhuThat’s a great world that lives by a woman.
Pon Endral Urundu VilaiyadumIf it’s gold, it just rolls around and plays.
Pen Endral Thirandu VilaiyadumIf it’s a woman, she unfolds and plays.
Pon Endral Urundu VilaiyadumIf it’s gold, it just rolls around and plays.
Pen Endral Thirandu VilaiyadumIf it’s a woman, she unfolds and plays.
Ponna Penna Un ThevaiyennaGold or woman, what do you truly need?
La La La Lala Lahiri Lahiri LahiriLa La La Lala Lahiri Lahiri Lahiri.
Pachai Mandhalir PolaLike tender green leaves,
Paruvam Muzhudhum Oru PakkathilHer entire youth is on one side.
Pattu On Meni MalaiHer silken body is like a mountain.
Thanga Vairam Oru PakkathilGold and diamonds are on the other side.
Thangam Oru Mutham TharumaWill gold ever give a kiss?
En Angam Oru Mutham TharumaWill her body ever give a kiss?
Thangam Oru Mutham TharumaWill gold ever give a kiss?
En Angam Oru Mutham TharumaWill her body ever give a kiss?
Sonna Mozhi SuvaippadhuHer spoken words taste sweet,
Kannangalil InippadhuThey sweeten on her cheeks.
Thangamalla Mangai ThaneShe isn’t just gold, she’s a maiden.
Katti Thangam Alla Mangai ThaneShe isn’t just pure gold, she’s a maiden.
Ponnale Vazhum Pudhiya Ulagam IdhuThis is a new world that lives by gold.
Pennale Vazhum Periya Ulagam AdhuThat’s a great world that lives by a woman.
Pon Endral Urundu VilaiyadumIf it’s gold, it just rolls around and plays.
Pen Endral Thirandu VilaiyadumIf it’s a woman, she unfolds and plays.
Ponna Penna Un ThevaiyennaGold or woman, what do you truly need?
Sivandha Nettriyile VelliOn her reddish forehead, there’s silver.
Sivakkum Udalil Katti ThangamHer blushing body holds pure gold.
Karutha Koondhalil ManjamIn her dark hair, there’s a soft bed.
Kaniyum Idhazhil Muthu VairamOn her ripe lips, there are pearls and diamonds.
Kangal Manikka KinnamHer eyes are bowls of rubies.
En Kannam Maragadha VannamHer cheeks are an emerald color.
Kangal Manikka KinnamHer eyes are bowls of rubies.
En Kannam Maragadha VannamHer cheeks are an emerald color.
Onbadhu ManigalulAmong the nine precious gems,
Unnai Kandu SirippadhuSeeing you, they all laugh.
Thangamalla Mangai ThaneShe isn’t just gold, she’s a maiden.
Katti Thangam Alla Mangai ThaneShe isn’t just pure gold, she’s a maiden.
Ponnale Vazhum Pudhiya Ulagam IdhuThis is a new world that lives by gold.
Ponnale Vazhum Pudhiya Ulagam IdhuThis is a new world that lives by gold.
Hmm Mm MmHmm Mm Mm.
Pon Endral Urundu VilaiyadumIf it’s gold, it just rolls around and plays.
Pen Endral Thirandu VilaiyadumIf it’s a woman, she unfolds and plays.
Ponna Penna Un ThevaiyennaGold or woman, what do you truly need?
La La La Lala Lahiri Lahiri LahiriLa La La Lala Lahiri Lahiri Lahiri.
Ponnale Vazhum Pudhiya Ulagam IdhuThis is a new world that lives by gold.
Pennale Vazhum Periya Ulagam AdhuThat’s a great world that lives by a woman.
Pon Endral Urundu VilaiyadumIf it’s gold, it just rolls around and plays.
Pen Endral Thirandu VilaiyadumIf it’s a woman, she unfolds and plays.
Ponna Penna Un ThevaiyennaGold or woman, what do you truly need?
Ponnale Vazhum Ulagam Music Video
Kannadasan’s poetry asserts human connections outweigh material possessions. A woman’s love makes life vivid and meaningful. The Tamil track’s ‘Ponnale Vazhum Ulagam’ lyrics meaning establishes her as incomparable wealth.