- Lyricist
- Na. Kamarasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kadhal Parisu
- Movie release year
- 1987
- Lyrics added on
- 29 Jun 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Kaanalukkul Meen Pidithaen is a melancholic Tamil song centered on the pain of chasing unattainable illusions and the despair of shattered love. Through vivid, surrealistic metaphors—such as attempting to catch fish in a mirage or seeking sweet honey from a paper flower—the speaker conveys the absurdity and sorrow of seeking genuine warmth in a relationship built on falsehoods and tragic fate. As the song unfolds, the narrative reflects on how a love story that once felt like a magnificent epic turned into a bitter drama. The heart, once delicate like a blossom, dries into a withered leaf, and the nectar of affection turns to poison. It expresses the anguish of walking a lonely path without a destination and living by a river of one's own tears.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Paradox / Surrealism
“Kaanalukkul meen pidithaen”
Attempting to catch fish in a mirage (kaanal) represents chasing impossible and non-existent desires.
Metaphor
“Kaagidha poo thaen eduthaen poo maanae”
Gathering nectar from a 'paper flower' symbolizes seeking true emotion from artificial or superficial love.
Hyperbole
“Kanneer gangai paayum”
Describing tears as a flowing 'Ganges' exaggerates the depth of sorrow to highlight immense heartbreak.
Metaphor
“Nenjam ennum poovo Sarugaai aanadhae”
Comparing the human heart to a flower that has withered into a dry leaf illustrates emotional deadness.
Did you know?
Trivia
Kadhal Parisu (1987) stars Kamal Haasan, Ambika, and Radha. The music was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with deeply metaphorical and surrealistic lyrics written by lyricist Na. Kamarasan.
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