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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Chinna Chiru Vayathil

From Meendum Kokila · 1981

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
K. J. Yesudas, S. P. Sailaja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Meendum Kokila1981

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Hmmm mmm hmmhmm hmm hmmHumming vocalization
Mmm mm hmmhmm hmm hmmHumming vocalization
Mmm mm hmmhmm hmm hmmHumming vocalization
Female
Chinnanjiru vayadhilIn my early childhood days
Enakkor sithiram thonudhadiA image appears in my mind, my dear girl
Pinnal vizhundhadhu polAs if falling behind in time
Edhaiyo pesavum thonudhadiI feel an urge to say something
Chellammaa pesavum thonudhadiOh Chellamma, I feel an urge to speak
Female
Chinnanjiru vayadhilIn my early childhood days
Enakkor sithiram thonudhadiA image appears in my mind, my dear girl
Pinnal vizhundhadhu polAs if falling behind in time
Edhaiyo pesavum thonudhadiI feel an urge to say something
Chellammaa pesavum thonudhadiOh Chellamma, I feel an urge to speak
Female
Mogana punnagaiyil or naalOne day, in a captivating smile
Moondru thamizh padithenI learned the three forms of Tamil literature
Mogana punnagaiyil or naalOne day, in a captivating smile
Moondru thamizh padithenI learned the three forms of Tamil literature
Saagasa naadagathil avanorIn his playful drama, he
Thathuvam solli vaithaanImparted a life philosophy
Ullathil vaithirundhumThough I kept it hidden in my heart
Naanor oomaiyai polirundhen…I remained like a mute person
Oomaiyai polirundhen mm… mmm…I remained like a mute person, mm... mmm...
Male
Aa…haaa….aaa…aaa…aaa…..Vocalizing musical notes
Kallathanam ennadiWhat is this innocence or slyness, my dear girl?
Enakkor kaaviyam sollu endraan…Recite an epic poem for me, he said...
Male
Chinnanjiru vayadhilIn my early childhood days
Enakkor sithiram thonudhadiA image appears in my mind, my dear girl
Pinnal vizhundhadhu polAs if falling behind in time
Edhaiyo pesavum thonudhadiI feel an urge to say something
Chellammaa pesavum thonudhadiOh Chellamma, I feel an urge to speak
Male
Sabaash… balae…Bravo! Well done!
Male
Velli paniyurugi madiyilLike melting silver snow
Veezhndhadhu polirundhenI felt as though I fell onto a lap
Velli paniyurugi madiyilLike melting silver snow
Veezhndhadhu polirundhenI felt as though I fell onto a lap
Pallithalam varaiyil chellammaaUp until the school days, Oh Chellamma
Paadam payindru vandhenI kept learning my lessons
Kaadhal neruppinilaeInto the fire of love
Enadhu kangalai vittu vittenI surrendered my eyes
Modhum viragathilae…In colliding yearning and separation...
Modhum viragathilae chellammaaIn colliding yearning, Oh Chellamma
Hm mmm mmm mmm mmm……….Humming vocalization
Female
Chinnanjiru vayadhilIn my early childhood days
Enakkor sithiram thonudhadiA image appears in my mind, my dear girl
Pinnal vizhundhadhu polAs if falling behind in time
Edhaiyo pesavum thonudhadiI feel an urge to say something
Chellammaa pesavum thonudhadiOh Chellamma, I feel an urge to speak

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Chinnanjiru Vayadhil' is a hauntingly nostalgic exploration of childhood memories, innocent awakening, and the bewildering intensity of first love. The narrator confides in her companion, Chellamma, describing how visions of her past resurface as she reflects on a lover who taught her the depths of emotion through subtle, poetic interactions. She recounts how she remained speechlessly overwhelmed by his presence, unable to voice her deep feelings.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Naanor oomaiyai polirundhen…

Compares the protagonist's inability to express her inner thoughts to a mute person.

Simile (Upamai)

Velli paniyurugi madiyil Veezhndhadhu polirundhen

Compares the feeling of surrendering to affection to silver snow softly melting into a lap.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kaadhal neruppinilae Enadhu kangalai vittu vitten

Compares love to an consuming fire in which the eyes/vision are surrendered.

Refrain (Anaphora)

Chinnanjiru vayadhil Enakkor sithiram thonudhadi

Repetition of the opening pallavi stanza to reinforce the reflective, nostalgic motif.

Did you know?

Trivia

This classic song from 'Meendum Kokila' (1981) was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by the legendary Kannadasan. Sung brilliantly by S. Janaki (with a duet version featuring K.J. Yesudas), the song's melancholic melody vividly reflects the emotional vulnerability and mental state of Sridevi's character in the film.

Keep listening

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