Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Andhaman Kaidhi album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Kaani Nilam Vendum

From Andhaman Kaidhi · 1952

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
Singers
C. S. Jayaraman, M. L. Vasanthakumari
Music director
G. Govindarajulu Naidu
Movie name
Andhaman Kaidhi
Movie release year
1952
Lyrics added on
23 Jan 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kaani nilam vendum…mm mm mm mm
Kaani nilam vendum paraasakthi
Kaani nilam vendum
Thoonil azhgiyadhaai…
Aa…aaa…aa….aa…aa…aaa….aaa….aaa…aaa…
Thoonil azhagiyadhaai nan maadangal
Thooya nirathinadhaai angu
Thoonil azhagiyadhaai nan maadangal
Thooya nirathinadhaai andha
Kaani nilathidaiyae or maaligai
Katti thara vendum andha
Kaani nilathidaiyae or maaligai
Katti thara vendum
Angu kaeni aruginilae…
Ae…ae….ae…ae…a.e…ae…
Kaeni aruginilae…
Thennai mara keetrum ilaneerum
Kaeni aruginilae
Thennai mara keetrum ilaneerum…
Pathu pannirendu thennai maram
Andha pakkatthilae venum
Pathu pannirendu thennai maram
Andha pakkatthilae venum
Nalla muthuchudar polae nilaa oli
Munbu varavenum
Nalla muthuchudar polae nilaa oli
Munbu varavenum
Kathum kuyilosai sattrae vandhu
Kaadhil pada venum
Kathum kuyilosai sattrae vandhu
Kaadhil pada venum
Endhan sitham maginzhndhidavae
Nandraayilam thendral varavenum
Endhan sitham maginzhndhidavae
Nandraayilam thendral varavenum
I want a small piece of land... mmm mmm mmm mmm
I want a small piece of land, O Parasakthi (Supreme Mother Goddess),
I want a small piece of land.
With beautiful pillars...
Aa... aaaa... aa... aa... aa... aaaa... aaaa... aaaa... aaaa...
With beautiful pillars and fine terraces,
Gleaming in pure white, there
With beautiful pillars and fine terraces,
Gleaming in pure white, on that
In the middle of that piece of land, a lovely home
You must build and give me; on that
In the middle of that piece of land, a lovely home
You must build and give me.
Right there beside a well...
Ae... ae... ae... ae... a.ae... ae...
Beside that well...
With lush coconut fronds and sweet coconut water,
Beside that well,
With lush coconut fronds and sweet coconut water...
Ten or twelve coconut trees
Must be standing right nearby.
Ten or twelve coconut trees
Must be standing right nearby.
Like the soft glow of a pearl, the moonlight
Should shine right in front of me.
Like the soft glow of a pearl, the moonlight
Should shine right in front of me.
The sweet calling of the cuckoo should softly
Fall upon my ears.
The sweet calling of the cuckoo should softly
Fall upon my ears.
To bring delight to my heart,
A pleasant, gentle breeze should blow.
To bring delight to my heart,
A pleasant, gentle breeze should blow.
Male
Male
Female
Male
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

In this iconic poem written by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyar, the poet prays to Goddess Parasakthi for a humble yet idyllic sanctuary. He envisions a piece of land featuring a stately palace with grand pillars and pure white walls, accompanied by a well surrounded by ten to twelve coconut trees. To complete his serene paradise, he desires soft pearl-like moonlight shining in his courtyard, the melodic chirping of cuckoos floating into his ears, and a sweet, cool breeze to delight his soul.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Nalla muthuchudar polae nilaa oli

Compares the soft, luminous moonlight to the gleam of a pure pearl ('muthuchudar polae').

Imagery

Thennai mara keetrum ilaneerum

Evokes vivid sensory imagery of nature—coconut fronds, tender coconuts, a well, moonlight, and birdsong.

Assonance / Monai

Pathu pannirendu thennai maram

Repetition of initial consonant and vowel sounds in consecutive words like 'Pathu pannirendu'.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Kaani Nilam Vendum' is one of Subramanya Bharathiyar's most celebrated poems expressing an idealized connection between human living and pristine nature. The song was adapted into the 1952 classic film 'Andhaman Kaidhi' with music directed by G. Govindarajulu Naidu.

Keep listening

Songs with a similar feeling

From the same album

More songs from Andhaman Kaidhi

View album

Spot an issue?

Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.