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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Chinna Kili Vanna Kili

From Chinna Gounder · 1992

Lyricist
R. V. Udhaya Kumar
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Chinna Gounder
Movie release year
1992
Lyrics added on
9 Feb 2017

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Chinnakili vannakili sethi sollum sellakili
Koondukula vachatharu sollukiliyae
Chinnakili vannakili sethisollum sellakili
Koondukula vachatharu sollukiliyae
{Yaaru yaaru athu yaaru..
Avar peru peru enna peru} (2)
Chinnakili vannakili sethi sollum sellakili
Koondukula vachatharu sollukiliyae
Chinnakili vannakili sethi sollum sellakili
Yenudaya peraketatharu kiliyae
Chinnakili vannakili sethi sollum sellakili
Yenudaya peraketatharu kiliyae
{Yaaru yaaru athu yaaru
Ava peru enna atha kooru} (2)
Chinnakili vannakili sethi sollum sellakili
Yenudaya peraketatharu kiliyae
Little parrot, colorful parrot, darling parrot that brings news,
Tell me, parrot, who locked you inside a cage?
Little parrot, colorful parrot, darling parrot that brings news,
Tell me, parrot, who locked you inside a cage?
Who is it, oh who is it?
What is his name, what is his name?
Little parrot, colorful parrot, darling parrot that brings news,
Tell me, parrot, who locked you inside a cage?
Little parrot, colorful parrot, darling parrot that brings news,
Who asked for my name, dear parrot?
Little parrot, colorful parrot, darling parrot that brings news,
Who asked for my name, dear parrot?
Who is it, oh who is it?
What is her name? Tell me that!
Little parrot, colorful parrot, darling parrot that brings news,
Who asked for my name, dear parrot?
Female
Female
Female
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

Chinnakili Vannakili is a playful rural duet from the movie Chinna Gounder (1992). The song is structured as a lighthearted conversation where the lead characters express their growing romantic curiosity through the metaphor of a parrot acting as a messenger. The woman playfully inquires who caged the parrot and who is interested in her, while the man teasingly questions who is asking about his name in return. Rich in folk flair, the track captures the innocence, bashfulness, and playful teasing inherent in traditional village romance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Internal Rhyme (Iyaibu / Edugai)

Chinnakili vannakili sethi sollum sellakili

The line features strong internal rhyming with words ending in 'kili' (Chinnakili, vannakili, sellakili), creating a rhythmic folk cadence.

Apostrophe (Addressing an absent or non-human entity)

Koondukula vachatharu sollukiliyae

The singer addresses the parrot ('sollukiliyae') as if it were a conscious confidante capable of carrying romantic messages.

Epizeuxis (Immediate Repetition)

Yaaru yaaru athu yaaru

The immediate repetition of the word 'yaaru' builds eager emphasis and playful curiosity.

Keep listening

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From the same album

More songs from Chinna Gounder

View album

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