Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kaninthu Varum Neram

From Alai Osai · 1985

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Alai Osai1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Haa… haa… aa…Haa… haa… aa…
Aa… haa… haa… aa… aa…Aa… haa… haa… aa… aa…
Haa… haa…Haa… haa…
Female
Kanindhu varum neramAs the time ripens,
Sinandhadhu yenowhy this anger?
Kanindhu varum neramAs the time ripens,
Sinandhadhu yenowhy this anger?
Female
Naan aadum aattangalThe dances I perform
Kaasukku thaanare for money.
Nee podum nottangalThe critical glances you cast
OC kku thaanare for free.
Irandum ondraaga seraadhuThe two will not come together.
Female
Kanindhu varum neramAs the time ripens,
Sinandhadhu yenowhy this anger?
Female
Aa… aa… haa aaa aa… aa…Aa… aa… haa aaa aa… aa…
Mogamum dhaagamum dhegamaaIs this body filled with lust and thirst?
Yega boga raaga thaalam venumaaDo you want a grand rhythm of endless enjoyment?
Mogamum dhaagamum dhegamaaIs this body filled with lust and thirst?
Yega boga raaga thaalam venumaaDo you want a grand rhythm of endless enjoyment?
Female
Iravukkor idham thaanIt brings comfort to the night,
Uavukkor padham thaanand perfect tune for intimacy.
Thattidu thattu thattuClap and tap,
Thanga thattu thaalam thattubeat the rhythm on the golden plate,
Neeyum ingae vaa vaayou too come here.
Female
Kanindhu varum neramAs the time ripens,
Sinandhadhu yenowhy this anger?
Naan aadum aattangalThe dances I perform
Kaasukku thaanare for money.
Nee podum nottangalThe critical glances you cast
OC kku thaanare for free.
Irandum ondraaga seraadhuThe two will not come together.
Female
Kanindhu varum neramAs the time ripens,
Sinandhadhu yenowhy this anger?
Female
Aa… aa… haa… aaaAa… aa… haa… aaa
Aaa…aa….aaa….aa… aa…Aaa…aa….aaa….aa… aa…
Aaa…aa….aaa….aa… aa…Aaa…aa….aaa….aa… aa…
Female
Sitridai sithiram venumaaDo you want a picture of a slim waist?
Chinna chinna maanganigal podhumaaAre these small mango-like charms enough?
Sitridai sithiram venumaaDo you want a picture of a slim waist?
Chinna chinna maanganigal podhumaaAre these small mango-like charms enough?
Female
Kaigalil naan varavaaShall I come into your hands?
Kanindhadhai tharavaaShall I offer what has ripened?
Malligai mottu thottuTouching the jasmine bud,
Nalliravil naalum katrulearning every day in the midnight,
Serum neram inbamthe moment of joining is bliss.
Female
Kanindhu varum neramAs the time ripens,
Sinandhadhu yenowhy this anger?
Kanindhu varum neramAs the time ripens,
Sinandhadhu yenowhy this anger?
Female
Naan aadum aattangalThe dances I perform
Kaasukku thaanare for money.
Nee podum nottangalThe critical glances you cast
OC kku thaanare for free.
Irandum ondraaga seraadhuThe two will not come together.
Female
Kanindhu varum neramAs the time ripens,
Sinandhadhu yenowhy this anger?
Kanindhu varum neramAs the time ripens,
Sinandhadhu yenowhy this anger?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a seductive yet pragmatic dance number sung by a performer addressing a patron or lover. She questions his anger just as the mood becomes romantic and ripe for intimacy. She cheekily contrasts her professional performance—which she does for money—with his free scrutiny and judgment, remarking that business and free pleasure do not blend together seamlessly. Through sensual metaphors involving jasmine buds, mangoes, and nightly rhythms, she invites him to leave his anger behind and embrace the pleasure of the moment.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Emonai (First-letter Alliteration)

Kanindhu varum neram / Sinandhadhu yeno

Matching initial consonant/vowel sound in 'Kanindhu' and 'Sinandhadhu' creates a rhythmic cadence across lines.

Iyaibu (Rhyming)

Kaasukku thaan / OC kku thaan

End rhyme with 'thaan' emphasizes the contrast between paid work and free judgment.

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Chinna chinna maanganigal podhumaa

'Chinna chinna maanganigal' compares feminine physical features playfully to tender sweet mangoes.

Did you know?

Trivia

Alai Osai (1985) is an underrated Ilaiyaraaja soundtrack featuring lyrics by Muthulingam. The film stars Vijayakanth and Nalini.

Keep listening

More from Alai Osai