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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanmaniye Unnai Kana

From Captain Ranjan · 1969

Lyricist
Lyricist Not Known
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Captain Ranjan1969

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kanmaniyae unnaiOh darling child, to see you,
Kaana undhan thandhai varuvaaraeYour father will come.
Kanmaniyae unnaiOh darling child, to see you,
Kaana undhan thandhai varuvaaraeYour father will come.
Chinnanchiru vaayaalFrom your tiny little mouth,
Sindhum mozhi kaettu magizhvaaraeHearing the baby babble you spill, he will rejoice.
Chinnanchiru vaayaalFrom your tiny little mouth,
Sindhum mozhi kaettu magizhvaaraeHearing the baby babble you spill, he will rejoice.
Female
Kanmaniyae unnaiOh darling child, to see you,
Kaana undhan thandhai varuvaaraeYour father will come.
Female
Unnai kaanum aaval meeriyae aa…aa…Overwhelmed by the eagerness to see you... aa... aa...
Unnai kaanum aaval meeriyae avarOverwhelmed by the eagerness to see you, he...
Ullam thudipparae thannilai maariyaeHis heart will throb, losing his composure.
Ullam thudipparae thannilai maariyaeHis heart will throb, losing his composure.
Minnidum undhan kannam thannai killiPinching your shining cheeks,
Minnidum undhan kannam thannai killiPinching your shining cheeks,
Vilaiyaadhum nilai kaana thavippeeraeHe will yearn to watch you play.
Female
Kanmaniyae unnaiOh darling child, to see you,
Kaana undhan thandhai varuvaaraeYour father will come.
Chinnanchiru vaayaalFrom your tiny little mouth,
Sindhum mozhi kaettu magizhvaaraeHearing the baby babble you spill, he will rejoice.
Female
Kanmaniyae unnaiOh darling child, to see you,
Kaana undhan thandhai varuvaaraeYour father will come.
Female
Ponnaal thandai seidhu poduvaarHe will make golden anklets for you to wear,
Un punnagai kandaalae aadi paaduvaarSeeing your smile, he will dance and sing.
Thanniru kaiyaal unnai avar alliLifting you up with both his gentle hands,
Thanniru kaiyaal unnai avar alliLifting you up with both his gentle hands,
Thaalatti aanandham adai vaaraeHe will sing a lullaby and attain pure bliss.
Female
Kanmaniyae unnaiOh darling child, to see you,
Kaana undhan thandhai varuvaaraeYour father will come.
Female
Maalai velai thaavi inbamaaiIn the evening time, leaping happily,
Nee thandhaiyin mugam nokkuvaaiYou will look at your father's face.
Pambaram bommai pattam vaangi ellaamBuying tops, dolls, kites, and everything,
Pambaram bommai pattam vaangi ellaamBuying tops, dolls, kites, and everything,
Anbodu unakkaethaan tharuvaarae…He will give them all to you with affection...
Female
Kanmaniyae unnaiOh darling child, to see you,
Kaana undhan thandhai varuvaaraeYour father will come.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This tender lullaby from Captain Ranjan (1969) is sung by a mother consoling her child while anticipating the father's return. She paints a heartwarming picture of the father's deep affection, describing how he yearns to see the child, play with them, and bring gifts. The lyrics evoke the joyous bond between father and child, highlighting small precious moments such as listening to baby talk, pinching cute cheeks, gifting golden anklets, and bringing toys like tops and kites. The overall tone is brimming with maternal warmth, hope, and familial love, captured through soft rhythmic phrasing.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Pallavi Repetition / Refrain

Kanmaniyae unnai / Kaana undhan thandhai varuvaarae

The refrain 'Kanmaniyae unnai kaana undhan thandhai varuvaarae' is repeated throughout the song to anchor the thematic promise of the father's arrival.

Moonaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kanmaniyae unnai / Kaana undhan thandhai varuvaarae

Repetition of the 'K' consonant sound at the start of adjacent words creates a rhythmic, musical lilt suitable for a lullaby.

Imagery (Visual & Tactile)

Minnidum undhan kannam thannai killi

Evocative sensory imagery depicting sparkling cheeks, playful pinching, golden anklets, and buying toys like spinning tops and kites.

Assonance / Edhugai

Pambaram bommai pattam vaangi ellaam

Matching second-letter consonant sounds in consecutive lines ('Pambaram' / 'Anbodu') enhances melodic flow.

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Trivia

Captain Ranjan (1969) featured music composed by the legendary G. Ramanathan, one of Tamil cinema's pioneer music directors who defined the classical era of film music. Sung by P. Susheela, this lullaby showcases her signature soft and emotive vocals.

Keep listening

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