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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kandukonden Naane

From Kannin Manigal · 1956

Lyricist
Kambadasan
Singers
T. A. Mothi, R. Balasaraswathy
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Kannin Manigal1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kandukondaen naanaeI have discovered it myself,
Kadhal ennavendru thaanaeWhat love truly is,
Kandukondaen naanaeI have discovered it myself,
KadhalLove!
Male
Kandidaa pothu kalangumIt feels anxious when unseen,
Neril kaangaiyilWhen seen face-to-face,
Karvaththaal kulungumIt trembles with proud delight.
Female
PenmaiyaiWomanhood,
Aanmaiyaal maattrumIs transformed by manhood,
Aanmaiyai pechchuthiranAnd the eloquent charm of manhood,
Mayakkinil yaettrumElevates one into a blissful spell.
Male
Kandukondaen naanaeI have discovered it myself,
Kadhal ennavendru thaanaeWhat love truly is,
Kandukondaen naanaeI have discovered it myself.
Male
Vandu polaLike a bee,
Malarthanil thaavumLeaping onto a flower,
Vandu polaLike a bee,
Malarthanil thaavumLeaping onto a flower,
Pudhu vaazhkkaiyilIn this new life,
Poochchiyena poovumBlossoming like a delicate creature,
Female
Mandala vithi thannai thaandumIt transcends the cosmic fate of the world,
Mandala vithi thannai thaandumIt transcends the cosmic fate of the world,
Adhu manathinil inba kanavae thoondumAnd awakens sweet dreams of joy in the mind.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Kannin Manigal' (1956) expresses the joy of discovering true love and understanding its emotional depth. It captures the paradox of love—how lovers feel anxious in separation, yet swell with pride and ecstasy when they meet. The lyrics celebrate the harmonious union of womanhood and manhood, describing love as a transformative force that inspires sweet dreams and elevates life beyond worldly fate, much like a honeybee joyfully flitting onto a flower.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

Vandu pola

Compares the sweet attraction and journey in a new life to a honeybee flitting onto a blooming flower ('Vandu pola malarthanil thaavum').

Edukai (Second letter rhyming)

Kandukondaen naanae

The second letter sound 'nd' rhymes across lines 'Kandukondaen' and 'Mondala/Mandala', creating structural harmony.

Antithesis / Contrast

Penmaiyai / Aanmaiyaal maattrum

Pairs contrasting gender ideals 'Penmaiyai' (womanhood) and 'Aanmaiyaal' (manhood) to illustrate mutual transformation.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by S. V. Venkatraman with lyrics by the celebrated poet Kambadasan, 'Kannin Manigal' (1956) featured this vintage duet rendered by T. A. Mothi and R. Balasaraswathi, showcasing the poetic romance characteristic of mid-20th century Tamil cinema.

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