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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Chinna Kanmanikkulle

From Paattu Padava · 1995

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Paattu Padava1995

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kaakkum karamudaithaOh, the one with protecting hands
Karunai vadivae ae…aeOh embodiment of mercy...
Kadum thuyaraiSevere sorrow
Thaakkum dhayavudaiyaOh merciful one who strikes down
Thani porulae ae… aa…aaa…aa..Oh unique supreme being...
Uraikkum nirai vaakkumWords filled with truth and perfection
Manam kadandha vadivarulaeOh divine form beyond the human mind
Anuvilum urai neekkamara niraindhaPervading everywhere endlessly, even within an atom
Nilaiyarulae aa…aa… aaa…aaa…aa…Oh everlasting grace...
Female
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna
Indha pennmanikullae vandhaWho came into the heart of this woman
Muththu kannanaePearl-like Krishna
Endhan maaya kannanaeMy magical Krishna
Male
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna
Male
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna
Neenda kaala thavamaai naanaeAs a result of my long penance, I
Vaangi vandha varam neeObtained you as a blessed boon
Maanae kannae kannaeOh my deer, my precious eye, my eye
Male
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna
Male
Vaazhum koiyil dheivangalMay the deities residing in temples
Unnai kaakka vendumaeAlways watch over and protect you
Soozhum noi kaakka vendiTo guard against surrounding illnesses and evils
Theeyai kooda thaandumaeI would even cross through fire
Male
Maanam pola vaazhvellaamTrust that life will be as vast and grand as the sky
Varum endru nambuBelieve that good times will arrive
Thelivaaga nee selvaaiWalk forward with clarity
Edhir kaalam unduThere is a bright future waiting
Megangal maraithaalumEven if clouds hide the sky
Medhuvaaga vilagumThey will slowly clear away
Velai varalaam maanae thaenaeThe right time will come, my dear deer, my sweet honey
Male
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna
Male
Sengol kondu naadelaamRulers who govern whole lands
Arasaalum mannarumHolding their royal scepter
Selvam kalvi yaavumaeAnd great scholars possessed of
Kuraiyaadha maedhaiyumUnending wealth and knowledge
Male
Isai koottum paadaganWhen a musician creating melody
Eerkkindra neramAttracts and captivates them
Thalaiyaattum bommaiyaaiLike a nodding bobblehead toy
Sevi saaikka vendumThey must bow their heads and listen
Thaai thandha arulaalaeBy the blessing given by my mother
Naan indru melaeI stand high today
Pirar ingu keezhae ammaa ammaaWhile others are below, oh mother, oh mother
Male
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna
Neenda kaala thavamaai naanaeAs a result of my long penance, I
Vaangi vandha varam neeObtained you as a blessed boon
Maanae kannae kannaeOh my deer, my precious eye, my eye
Male
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna
Chinna kanmanikkullae vandhaOh beloved Krishna who entered into my tiny eye
Chella kannanaeBeloved Krishna
Endhan chinna kannanaeMy little Krishna

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

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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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