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Isaimozhi
Paattu Padava album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Chinna Kanmanikkulle

From Paattu Padava · 1995

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Paattu Padava
Movie release year
1995
Lyrics added on
18 Dec 2018

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kaakkum karamudaitha
Karunai vadivae ae…ae
Kadum thuyarai
Thaakkum dhayavudaiya
Thani porulae ae… aa…aaa…aa..
Uraikkum nirai vaakkum
Manam kadandha vadivarulae
Anuvilum urai neekkamara niraindha
Nilaiyarulae aa…aa… aaa…aaa…aa…
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
Indha pennmanikullae vandha
Muththu kannanae
Endhan maaya kannanae
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
Neenda kaala thavamaai naanae
Vaangi vandha varam nee
Maanae kannae kannae
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
Vaazhum koiyil dheivangal
Unnai kaakka vendumae
Soozhum noi kaakka vendi
Theeyai kooda thaandumae
Maanam pola vaazhvellaam
Varum endru nambu
Thelivaaga nee selvaai
Edhir kaalam undu
Megangal maraithaalum
Medhuvaaga vilagum
Velai varalaam maanae thaenae
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
Sengol kondu naadelaam
Arasaalum mannarum
Selvam kalvi yaavumae
Kuraiyaadha maedhaiyum
Isai koottum paadagan
Eerkkindra neram
Thalaiyaattum bommaiyaai
Sevi saaikka vendum
Thaai thandha arulaalae
Naan indru melae
Pirar ingu keezhae ammaa ammaa
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
Neenda kaala thavamaai naanae
Vaangi vandha varam nee
Maanae kannae kannae
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha
Chella kannanae
Endhan chinna kannanae
O protector with shielding hands,
O embodiment of grace!
Strike down bitter sorrow
with your tender mercy,
O supreme presence!
O voice of complete truth,
grant grace that goes beyond the mind,
filling every single atom completely,
bless us with that eternal grace!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
You who entered this lady's heart,
my precious pearl Krishna,
O my wondrous Krishna!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
As the reward for my long prayer,
you are the blessing I received,
my gentle deer, the apple of my eye!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
The gods residing in the temples
must protect and keep you safe!
To shield you from illness all around,
they would even walk through fire!
Believe that a life full of dignity
will surely come to you.
Walk forward with clear steps,
there is a bright future ahead.
Even if dark clouds hide the light,
they will slowly clear away;
that good time will arrive, my dear, my sweet!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
The monarchs ruling all the land
with their royal scepters,
and great scholars blessed
with endless wealth and wisdom,
when a singer weaving melodies
captivates their hearts,
must nod along like dancing dolls
and listen with all their ears!
By the blessing my mother gave me,
I stand so high today,
while others look on from below, mother, O mother!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
As the reward for my long prayer,
you are the blessing I received,
my gentle deer, the apple of my eye!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
You who entered the apple of my eye,
my darling little Krishna,
O my dear little Krishna!
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Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

The song is a deeply affectionate and emotional lullaby/devotional song expressing boundless maternal love, comparison of a beloved child or close one to Lord Krishna, and devotion to the Almighty. The opening verse invokes the omnipresent and merciful Supreme Being, setting a sacred atmosphere before shifting into an outpouring of affection for 'Chinna Kannan' (little Krishna). The singer considers the child as a cherished boon attained after long penance and promises unconditional protection, encouraging the child to stay hopeful about the future despite temporary darkness. The song also glorifies the immense power of music, noting how even great kings and scholars bow down in awe before true melody.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

“Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha Chella kannanae”

Compares the child to Lord Krishna ('Chella Kannan', 'Muththu Kannan', 'Maaya Kannan') and to a precious boon ('Vaangi Vandha Varam').

Simile (Upamai)

“Thalaiyaattum bommaiyaai Sevi saaikka vendum”

Compares the audience and powerful kings listening to music to a nodding doll ('Thalaiyaattum bommai').

Edhukai (Second letter rhyming)

“Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha / Endhan chinna kannanae”

The second consonant 'n' (ன) rhymes across lines in 'Chinna' and 'Endhan', creating a pleasing rhythmic structure.

Anaphora (Repetition for poetic emphasis)

“Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha”

The phrase 'Chinna kanmanikkullae vandha' is repeatedly used throughout the song as a refrain to emphasize deep tenderness.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Paattu Padava' (1995) features iconic music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by Vaali. The film stars S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Rahman in lead roles. SPB himself played a central character of a veteran musician in the movie, making themes of musical prowess central to the plot.

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