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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kandum Kanamal

From Pirivom Santhipom · 2008

Lyricist
Yugabharathi
Singer
Sadhana Sargam
Music director
Vidyasagar
Details
Pirivom Santhipom2008

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
{Kandum kaanaamal{Seeing yet not seeing
Vizhi kaanpathu yenWhy do eyes continue to look?
Kettum kelaamalHearing yet not hearing
Sevi saaippathu yen} (2)Why incline the ear?} (2)
Female
Vanthu povathu yenWhy come and go?
Thanthu ketpathu yenWhy give and ask in return?
Female
Kandum kaanaamalSeeing yet not seeing
Vizhi kaanpathu yenWhy do eyes continue to look?
Kettum kelaamalHearing yet not hearing
Sevi saaippathu yenWhy incline the ear?
Female
Ninaivugal polaJust like memories
Marathiyum vendumForgetfulness is also needed
Naettrum neengaFor yesterday to fade
Naalai vendumTomorrow is needed
Female
Thanimaigal theeraFor loneliness to end
Thunaiyum vendumA companion is needed
Thaangum thozhlilOn a supporting shoulder
Saainthida vendumOne needs to lean
Female
Arugilae vantha pothilumEven when coming close
Yeno thooramaeWhy does distance remain?
Ninaivinilae thengum gnyaabagamThe memory stagnant in mind
Neengumo entha naalumaeWill it ever leave us?
Female
Seruvom seruvomWe will unite, we will unite
Vaazhvill…..In life...
Female
Kandum kaanaamalSeeing yet not seeing
Vizhi kaanpathu yenWhy do eyes continue to look?
Kettum kelaamalHearing yet not hearing
Sevi saaippathu yenWhy incline the ear?
Female
Ahaaa…aaaa….ahaaa..aaa.aaa….Ahaaa... aaaa... ahaaa.. aaa. aaa....
Female
Uravugal neengiLiving a life
Vaazhum vaazhvilSeparated from loved ones
Yengum nodigalThe longing moments
Sumai ena theriyumWill feel like a heavy burden
Female
Thiraikadal odiRunning across wide oceans
Thedum thedalThe search that we seek
Theerum pothuWhen it finally ends
Tholainthathu theriyumWe realize what was lost
Female
Siragugal vaangum aasaiyilIn the desire to gain wings
Vaanai neenginomWe abandoned the sky
Vidaigalai thedum aavalilIn the eagerness to find answers
Kelvipol naalum thenginomWe stagnated like questions every day
Female
Maaruthal aaruthalChange will become
Aagumae…..Solace...
Female
Kandum kaanaamalSeeing yet not seeing
Vizhi kaanpathu yenWhy do eyes continue to look?
Kettum kelaamalHearing yet not hearing
Sevi saaippathu yenWhy incline the ear?
Female
Vanthu povathu yenWhy come and go?
Thanthu ketpathu yenWhy give and ask in return?
Female
Kandum kaanaamalSeeing yet not seeing
Vizhi kaanpathu yenWhy do eyes continue to look?
Kettum kelaamalHearing yet not hearing
Sevi saaippathu yenWhy incline the ear?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Kandum Kaanaamal' from Pirivom Santhipom (2008) is a soulful, contemplative song exploring themes of longing, distance, memory, and emotional conflict within relationships. The song poignantly captures the internal turmoil of being physically close yet emotionally distant, and the necessity of both remembrance and forgetfulness to heal and move forward in life. The lyrics reflect on how human pursuits and modern separations often make people sacrifice the essence of life and love in pursuit of distant goals, leaving behind questions instead of answers. Ultimately, it offers a gentle note of hope that change brings comfort and separated souls will reunite.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Paradox / Oxymoron

Kandum kaanaamal / Vizhi kaanpathu yen

Juxtaposes seeing with pretending not to see, and hearing while ignoring, illustrating emotional conflict and pretense.

Metaphor & Irony

Siragugal vaangum aasaiyil / Vaanai neenginom

Uses the image of leaving the sky to buy wings to illustrate losing essential happiness while striving for material or grander goals.

Simile / Analogy

Vidaigalai thedum aavalil / Kelvipol naalum thenginom

Compares stagnant confusion in life to unanswered questions remaining unresolved.

Monorhyme / Anaaphora

Thiraikadal odi / Thedum thedal / Theerum pothu / Tholainthathu theriyum

Repetition of word-initial 'Th' sounds (Moona / Alliteration) creating rhythmic melancholy.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Pirivom Santhipom' (2008), directed by Cheran, features music composed by Vidyasagar. The song 'Kandum Kaanaamal' is sung by Master Rahul and Nitish and penned by lyricist Yugabharathi. It plays during a crucial emotional juncture in the film portraying joint family bonds and the pain of separation.

Keep listening

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