Harris Jayaraj’s ‘The Legend’ album features KK and Jonita Gandhi in ‘Popopo,’ a rhythmic exchange with playful teasing. Lyricist Madhan Karky crafts absurd imagery like ‘no cat inside an elephant.’ Composer Harris Jayaraj layers this with energetic beats.
Released: May 30, 2022
Popopo
Harris Jayaraj | Kk • From “The Legend”
Popopo Lyrics Translation (from “The Legend”)
Jonita Gandhi compares herself to a ‘rose without thorns,’ signaling approachable passion. KK challenges with lines like ‘scientist, do your research on me,’ framing attraction as a humorous experiment. Their banter escalates over rapid percussion.
Yanai Kulla Poonai IllaThere isn’t a cat inside an elephant,
Poonai Kulla Panai Illathere isn’t a palm tree inside a cat,
Panai Kulla Maman Illaithere isn’t a suitor inside a palm tree,
Maman Onnum Raman Illaiand this man is no ‘Raman’, the ideal hero.
Ani Mela Koni IllaiThere isn’t a sack on top of a squirrel,
Koni Mela Yeni Illaithere isn’t a ladder on top of a sack,
Yeni Mela Rani Illaithere isn’t a queen on top of a ladder,
Ranikku Than Thini Illaiand the queen doesn’t have any ‘thini’ or food to eat.
Popopo PopopoPopopo, popopo.
Popopo PopopoPopopo, popopo.
Popopo PopopoPopopo, popopo.
PopopoPopopo.
Vinyani Hey VinyaniHey scientist, oh scientist!
En Mela Arachi PannikkoGo ahead and do your research on me,
Kanna Neemy dear.
Gym Meni Hey Gym MeniHey gym-toned body, oh gym-toned body!
Sataikkum Settaikum AnjatheDon’t be afraid of my ‘sattai’ rules or ‘settai’ mischief,
Va Va Neeso come on over.
Rasikka Rasikka ThanOnly to enjoy and admire me,
Thudikkira Thudikkirayou’re yearning and longing.
Kuzhanthai Pola PinnalFollowing me around just like a child,
Nadikkira Nadikkirayou’re acting and pretending.
Yanai Kulla Poonai IllaThere isn’t a cat inside an elephant,
Poonai Kulla Panai Illathere isn’t a palm tree inside a cat,
Panai Kulla Maman Illaithere isn’t a suitor inside a palm tree,
Maman Onnum Raman Illaiand this man is no ‘Raman’, the ideal hero.
Ani Mela Koni IllaiThere isn’t a sack on top of a squirrel,
Koni Mela Yeni Illaithere isn’t a ladder on top of a sack,
Yeni Mela Rani Illaithere isn’t a queen on top of a ladder,
Ranikku Than Thini Illaiand the queen doesn’t have any ‘thini’ or food to eat.
Popopo PopopoPopopo, popopo.
Popopo PopopoPopopo, popopo.
Popopo PopopoPopopo, popopo.
PopopoPopopo.
Veyil Naan Kulikkira PolaJust like I’m bathing in the sunlight,
Pal Adai Theipayawill you rub milk cream on me?
Nilavil Naan Nenaigira PothuWhen I’m soaking in the moonlight,
Soodai Nee Avayawill you become the warmth I need?
En Sevai Ulagakku ThevaiThe world needs my service.
Oru Vazhkai PaththathoIsn’t one lifetime enough?
Adha Kooda Unakku KettaIf I ask you for even that much,
Ul Manasu Kuththathodoesn’t your heart sting with guilt?
Hey Kuththathu KuththathuHey, it doesn’t sting, it doesn’t sting at all,
Va Rasaso come here, my king.
Naan Mullum Yedhum Illadha RosaI’m a rose without any thorns.
Naan Thithikkum Patpat PattasaI’m a sweet, popping firecracker.
Nee Parthale Paththipen LesaI’ll easily catch fire with just a look from you.
Yanai Kulla Poonai IllaThere isn’t a cat inside an elephant,
Poonai Kulla Panai Illathere isn’t a palm tree inside a cat,
Panai Kulla Maman Illaithere isn’t a suitor inside a palm tree,
Maman Onnumraman Illaiand this man is no ‘Raman’, the ideal hero.
Ani Mela Koni IllaiThere isn’t a sack on top of a squirrel,
Koni Mela Yeni Illaithere isn’t a ladder on top of a sack,
Yeni Mela Rani Illaithere isn’t a queen on top of a ladder,
Ranikku Than Thini Illaiand the queen doesn’t have any ‘thini’ or food to eat.
Popopo PopopoPopopo, popopo.
Popopo PopopoPopopo, popopo.
Popopo PopopoPopopo, popopo.
PopopoPopopo.
Vinyani En VinyaniScientist, oh my scientist!
En Mela Arachi PannadhaDon’t do any research on me,
Penne Neeyou girl.
Gym Meni En Gym MeniGym-toned body, oh my gym-toned body!
Sataikkum Settaikum ThangathaYou won’t be able to handle my ‘sattai’ rules or ‘settai’ mischief,
Poo Poo Neeso just go away.
Mugilgal NagathileYou’re scratching the clouds,
Kizhikkira Kizhikkiratearing them apart with your nails.
Kuzhanthai Pola PenneLike a child, my girl,
Muzhikkira Muzhikkirayou’re staring with wide-eyed wonder.
Popopo Music Video
Madhan Karky’s wordplay in the ‘Popopo’ lyrics translation reveals courtship as a game of wit. The Legend album presents flirtation through illogical statements. Tamil lyrics meaning centers on enjoying attraction’s lighthearted chaos.