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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kadavul Kannodu Kannerai

From Ninaivugal · 1984

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Ninaivugal1984

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ilanthalaeerae…..ennuyiraeO tender leaf... my life itself
Oor pugazha pear padaiththuWith the entire town praising, earning a renowned name
Uyarnthiduvaai endrinthaenI believed that you would rise high
Nee pirinthu sendraalum naan thanaiyae nindraalumEven if you part ways and I am left standing alone
Neengaathu vaazhnthirukkum un ninaivugal ninaivugalUnfadingly, your memories, memories will live on
Female
Kadavul kannodu kanneerai vaiththaanGod placed tears along with the eyes
Kaaranam sonnavar illaiBut no one has explained the reason why
Azhuthaal thunbangal karainthuvidumIf you cry, sorrows will melt away
Pinbu aarambam vaazhkkaiyin ellai….After that begins the horizon of life...
Female
Kadavul kannodu kanneerai vaiththaanGod placed tears along with the eyes
Kaaranam sonnavar illaiBut no one has explained the reason why
Azhuthaal thunbangal karainthuvidumIf you cry, sorrows will melt away
Pinbu aarambam vaazhkkaiyin ellai…..After that begins the horizon of life...
Female
Pennena neeyum piranthathu paavamIs it a sin that you were born a woman?
Pennena neeyum piranthathu paavamIs it a sin that you were born a woman?
Vantha pinnaalae payanthenna laabamWhat is the benefit of fearing after having arrived?
Thuninthu nil oru tholvi illaiStand bold and resolute; there is no defeat
Vantha sodhanai pani pol vilagumThe trial that came will clear away like mist
Idhu eppothum pollaatha ulagamThis world is forever cruel and harsh
Female
Kadavul kannodu kanneerai vaiththaanGod placed tears along with the eyes
Kaaranam sonnavar illaiBut no one has explained the reason why
Azhuthaal thunbangal karainthuvidumIf you cry, sorrows will melt away
Pinbu aarambam vaazhkkaiyin ellai…..After that begins the horizon of life...
Female
Ulagangal yaavum urangidum neramAt a time when all the worlds are asleep
Ulagangal yaavum urangidum neramAt a time when all the worlds are asleep
Kaattril poraadi kalangidum dheepamLike a lamp struggling and faltering in the wind
Vidintha pin pudhu velli varumAfter dawn arrives, a new bright star will emerge
Adhikaalaiyil pozhuthukal pularumAt early dawn, a new day will break
Nalla aanathan un vaazhvil malarumJoyful comforting days will blossom in your life
Female
Kadavul kannodu kanneerai vaiththaanGod placed tears along with the eyes
Kaaranam sonnavar illaiBut no one has explained the reason why
Azhuthaal thunbangal karainthuvidumIf you cry, sorrows will melt away
Pinbu aarambam vaazhkkaiyin ellai…..After that begins the horizon of life...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Ninaivugal is a deeply emotional, philosophical track that offers comfort and hope during times of grief and separation. The singer reflects on a cherished bond, acknowledging that while physical separation brings loneliness, precious memories remain eternal. The song contemplates why God endowed humans with tears, offering the perspective that crying helps dissolve pain, serving as a emotional release that opens the door to new beginnings in life. Furthermore, the lyrics serve as a call to courage for women facing societal hardships and personal ordeals. Using evocative nature metaphors such as mist dispersing and a lamp braving the wind until the morning star appears, the song delivers an inspiring message of resilience, assuring that every dark night of adversity is eventually followed by a bright, joyful morning.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kadavul kannodu kanneerai vaiththaan

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound across words ('Kadavul', 'kannodu', 'kanneerai') creates a poetic rhythmic flow in Tamil prosody.

Simile (Uwamai)

Vantha sodhanai pani pol vilagum

Comparing hardships and trials ('sodhanai') to mist ('pani') that dissolves rapidly when morning arrives.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kaattril poraadi kalangidum dheepam

A struggling human soul amidst chaotic worldly troubles is metaphorically described as a lamp flickering against strong wind.

Symbolism

Vidintha pin pudhu velli varum

The morning star ('pudhu velli') and dawn ('pudhu pozhuthukal') symbolize new hope, rebirth, and positive transformation after despair.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by the musical duo Shankar-Ganesh with lyrics by veteran poet Pulamaipithan, 'Ninaivugal' is recognized for P. Susheela's emotive vocal rendering. The song's philosophical tone regarding tears as a restorative mechanism made it a memorable, comforting classic in 1980s Tamil cinema melody tracks.

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