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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Alli Thandu Kaal

From Kakkum Karangal · 1965

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Kakkum Karangal1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Alli thandu kaal eduthuLifting legs as tender as lily stems,
Adi mel adi eduthuTaking step after careful step,
Chinna kannan nadakkaiyilaeWhen little Kannan (Krishna) walks,
Chithirangal enna seiyumWhat match can static paintings offer?
Female
Alli thandu kaal eduthuLifting legs as tender as lily stems,
Adi mel adi eduthuTaking step after careful step,
Chinna kannan nadakkaiyilaeWhen little Kannan (Krishna) walks,
Chithirangal enna seiyumWhat match can static paintings offer?
Male
Alli thandu kaal eduthuLifting legs as tender as lily stems,
Adi mel adi eduthuTaking step after careful step,
Chinna kannan nadakkaiyilaeWhen little Kannan (Krishna) walks,
Chithirangal enna seiyumWhat match can static paintings offer?
Female
Polladha sirippum pon maeni sivappumMischievous smile and golden complexion's rosy blush,
Solladha kavidhaigal sollumConvey unspoken poems,
Solladha kavidhaigal sollumConvey unspoken poems,
Polladha sirippum pon maeni sivappumMischievous smile and golden complexion's rosy blush,
Solladha kavidhaigal sollumConvey unspoken poems,
Solladha kavidhaigal sollumConvey unspoken poems,
Muthu navarathinangalaiPearls and nine precious gems,
Avan mogana punnagai vellumHis enchanting smile will vanquish,
Muthu navarathinangalaiPearls and nine precious gems,
Avan mogana punnagai vellumHis enchanting smile will vanquish,
Male
Alli thandu kaal eduthuLifting legs as tender as lily stems,
Adi mel adi eduthuTaking step after careful step,
Chinna kannan nadakkaiyilaeWhen little Kannan (Krishna) walks,
Chithirangal enna seiyumWhat match can static paintings offer?
Female
Neerodai polae nee odum vaelaiWhen you run like a flowing stream,
Ooraarin kann padalamooMight the evil eyes of the townspeople fall upon you?
Ooraarin kann padalamooMight the evil eyes of the townspeople fall upon you?
Neerodai polae nee odum vaelaiWhen you run like a flowing stream,
Ooraarin kann padalamooMight the evil eyes of the townspeople fall upon you?
Ooraarin kann padalamooMight the evil eyes of the townspeople fall upon you?
Alli alli edukaiyilaeWhile scooping and gathering you in affection,
En athaanai maranthirupaenoWould I ever forget my beloved husband?
Alli alli edukaiyilaeWhile scooping and gathering you in affection,
En athaanai maranthirupaenoWould I ever forget my beloved husband?
Male
Alli thandu kaal eduthuLifting legs as tender as lily stems,
Adi mel adi eduthuTaking step after careful step,
Chinna kannan nadakkaiyilaeWhen little Kannan (Krishna) walks,
Chithirangal enna seiyumWhat match can static paintings offer?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic lullaby-style romantic melody from Kakkum Karangal celebrates the innocence, grace, and beauty of a toddler likened to Lord Krishna (Chinna Kannan). The lyrics playfully admire the child's tender steps, mischievous smile, and rosy golden skin, deeming them far superior to any still painting or precious gem.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Alli thandu kaal eduthu

Compares the child's soft, tender legs directly to 'Alli thandu' (lily stems).

Uwamai (Simile)

Neerodai polae nee odum vaelai

Uses 'polae' (like/as) to compare the child's running to a freely flowing water stream.

Monai (Alliteration)

Polladha sirippum pon maeni sivappum

Repetition of initial consonants 'Po' in 'Polladha' and 'pon', creating rhythmic harmony.

Ethir / Anaphora

Solladha kavidhaigal sollum

Rhythmic repetition of phrases like 'Solladha kavidhaigal sollum' heightens musicality.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Kakkum Karangal' (1965) marked the silver screen debut of veteran actor Sivakumar, who played a supporting role alongside S. S. Rajendran and C. R. Vijayakumari.

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