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IsaimozhiLyrics · Translation · Meaning

Lyrics & meaning

Kanna Enna Kadhai

From Thottathellam Ponnagum · 1975

Lyricist: Kannadasan
Singer: P. Susheela
Music director: K. Vijaya Baskar
Movie name: Thottathellam Ponnagum
Movie release year: 1975
Lyrics added on: 8 May 2023

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics

↻ English translation

Kanna enna kadhai idhu

Siru penna unai azhaippadhu

Oru kani vandhu kiliyidam vizhugindrathu

Kaalangal kaanadha pudhumai idhu

Kanna enna kadhai idhu

Siru penna unai azhaippadhu

Oru kani vandhu kiliyidam vizhugindrathu

Kaalangal kaanadha pudhumai idhu

{Pattu kunjum katti vitta bambaram ondru

Panthadikkum nandhavanam

Pennidam undu} (2)

Kannil rasam pera nenjil pazham pera

Pennil sugam pera kannadi edharkku

Kanna enna kadhai idhu

Siru penna unai azhaippadhu

Oru kani vandhu kiliyidam vizhugindrathu

Kaalangal kaanadha pudhumai idhu

{Andha sugam ennavendru

Solli kodungal

Alli thandai pinni kondu

Alli edungal} (2)

Aasai thudikkidhu naanam thadukkudhu

Naana anaippadhu nalla kadhai thaan

Kanna enna kadhai idhu

Siru penna unai azhaippadhu

Oru kani vandhu kiliyidam vizhugindrathu

Kaalangal kaanadha pudhumai idhu

Mandabathin vaasal varai

Mannan varattum

Mandhirathil ondrirandai

Solli tharattum

Koyil thirakkavum malai kidaikkavum

Poojai nadakkavum achhaaram kodungal

Kanna enna kadhai idhu

Siru penna unai azhaippadhu

Oru kani vandhu kiliyidam vizhugindrathu

Kaalangal kaanadha pudhumai idhu

Oh Kanna, what kind of story is this?

Is it a young girl who calls for you?

A sweet fruit comes and falls before the parrot;

this is a wonder never seen before across time!

Oh Kanna, what kind of story is this?

Is it a young girl who calls for you?

A sweet fruit comes and falls before the parrot;

this is a wonder never seen before across time!

A spinning top tied with silk tassels,

and a lively garden playing with bouncing balls,

this girl holds within herself.

To bring delight to the eyes, to find sweet fruit in the heart,

and to find joy in a woman, why do you need a mirror?

Oh Kanna, what kind of story is this?

Is it a young girl who calls for you?

A sweet fruit comes and falls before the parrot;

this is a wonder never seen before across time!

What that sweet pleasure is,

please teach me.

Entwining like tender water lily stems,

take me into your arms!

Desire throbs within, yet shyness holds me back;

should I be the one to embrace you? What a story that would be!

Oh Kanna, what kind of story is this?

Is it a young girl who calls for you?

A sweet fruit comes and falls before the parrot;

this is a wonder never seen before across time!

Up to the entrance of the wedding hall,

let my king arrive.

One or two sacred chants,

let him teach me.

For the temple doors to open, for the wedding garland to be received,

and for the sacred ritual to begin, give me your promise now!

Oh Kanna, what kind of story is this?

Is it a young girl who calls for you?

A sweet fruit comes and falls before the parrot;

this is a wonder never seen before across time!

Female

Female

Female

Female

Female

Female

Female

Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

The song is a playful, sensual, and poetic romantic monologue where a young woman speaks to her lover, addressing him playfully as 'Kanna' (Krishna). She reflects on the unprecedented joy of love where the fruit of romance comes seeking the parrot on its own accord. She describes her beauty, playful youth, and awakening desires while highlighting the classic tension between her overwhelming love and traditional shyness. As the song progresses, she delicately hints at marital union and intimate togetherness, asking him to guide her through the steps of love like a king entering the marriage hall. With vivid imagery of flowers, mirrors, and sacred rituals, Kannadasan weaves a masterclass in classic Tamil romantic poetry that balances coy modesty with sensual anticipation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

“Oru kani vandhu kiliyidam vizhugindrathu”

The imagery of a fruit falling before a parrot ('Oru kani vandhu kiliyidam vizhugindrathu') serves as a metaphor for opportunity and romantic delight seeking the lover directly.

Monaivazhi / Alliteration

“Aasai thudikkidhu naanam thadukkudhu”

Repetition of the initial 'Aa' sound creates a pleasing rhythmic flow reflecting conflicting emotions.

Edhugai / Second Letter Rhyme

“Mandabathin vaasal varai / Mandhirathil ondrirandai”

Rhyming of the second consonants ('n') in 'Mandabathin' and 'Mandhirathil'.

Simile / Analogy

“Alli thandai pinni kondu”

Comparing physical embrace to the delicate intertwining of lily stems ('Alli thandai pinni kondu').

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by K. Vijaya Baskar for the 1975 Tamil film 'Thottathellam Ponnagum', this song stands out for P. Susheela's delicate vocal expression and Kannadasan's signature sensuous yet dignified lyricism.

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