Sadhana Sargam’s ‘Pookal Endrom’ in album Virudhagiri features Na. Muthukumar’s lyrics and Sundar C. Babu’s minimalist composition. A melancholic mood underscores the critique of societal praise for women. The track dissects common metaphors used to describe women.
Na. Muthukumar challenges floral metaphors with direct questioning: ‘We called women flowers, but was it only to pluck them?’ He exposes contradictions in maternal imagery, noting how lust stains history. The lyricist confronts objectification through repeated rhetorical patterns.
Pookkal Endrom PengalWe’ve called women flowers.
Pookkal Endrum PariththuIs it just to pluck them,
Vaadavittu PaarkkaththaanaAnd watch them wither away?
Dheepam Endrom PengalWe’ve called women lamps.
Dheepam EndromWe’ve called them lamps.
Theeyil Thallivittu ErikkaththaanaaaIs it just to push them into the fire to burn?
Nilavendrom TheyaWe’ve called her the moon, only for her to fade.
Nadhiyendrom KaayaWe’ve called her a river, only for her to dry up.
Silaiyendrom YaenadaaWhy do we call her a statue?
KadaththavethaanadaaIs it just so she can be stolen?
Pookkal Endrom PengalWe’ve called women flowers.
Pookkal Endrum PariththuIs it just to pluck them,
Vaadavittu PaarkkaththaanaAnd watch them wither away?
Piranthathum PugunthathumBoth at birth and after marriage,
Perumaiyai KoottuvaalShe’ll increase the family’s pride.
Pasiyena VarugaiyilWhen hunger strikes,
Paasaththai OottuvaalShe’ll feed you with her love.
Virudhagiri’s central message demands recognition of women’s worth beyond superficial comparisons. Understanding Pookal Endrom lyrics translation reveals a protest against hollow societal norms. The song rejects duality in how women are celebrated yet exploited.