Kanna Mani Vanna
From Vaa Kanna Vaa · 1982
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Details
- Vaa Kanna Vaa1982
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Kanna…..manivanna…..aayarkkula | Oh Krishna, jewel-hued one, of the shepherd clan |
| Manivilakkae engal mannaa | Oh lamp of jewel, our king |
| Vanna pasungkiliyae | Oh colorful green parrot |
| Vaarththeduththa porsilaiyae | Oh sculpted golden statue |
| Ennmenum cholaiyilae | In the grove of thoughts |
| Isaipaadum ilanguyilae | Oh young cuckoo that sings music |
| Ennmenum cholaiyilae | In the grove of thoughts |
| Isaipaadum ilanguyilae….aa….aa…. | Oh young cuckoo that sings music... aa... aa... |
| Isaipaadum ilanguyilae | Oh young cuckoo that sings music |
| Male | |
| Engal veettil entha naalum | In our house on any given day |
| Kannan paattuththaan | It is only Krishna's song |
| Engal veettil entha naalum | In our house on any given day |
| Kannan paattuththaan | It is only Krishna's song |
| Male | |
| Nalla sengamala sirippirukkum | With a smile like a fine red lotus |
| Mannan paattuththaan | It is the king's song |
| Nalla sengamala sirippirukkum | With a smile like a fine red lotus |
| Mannan paattuththaan….. | It is the king's song... |
| Male | |
| : Chinna kannan avan chella kannan | Little Krishna, he is the darling Krishna |
| Chinna kannan avan chella kannan | Little Krishna, he is the darling Krishna |
| Sutti pillaiththaan | He is a mischievous child |
| Paduchchutti pillaiththaan | A very mischievous child indeed |
| Alli konda kai manakkum | The hand that holds him close smells sweet |
| Vanna mullaiththaan | Like colorful jasmine blossoms |
| Alli konda kai manakkum | The hand that holds him close smells sweet |
| Vanna mullaiththaan | Like colorful jasmine blossoms |
| Female | |
| Kottungadi kummi kottungadi | Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi |
| Thattungadi kaiya thattungadi | Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands |
| Chorus :Kottungadi kummi kottungadi | Chorus: Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi |
| Thattungadi kaiya thattungadi | Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands |
| Female | |
| Muththu saramani saththamida | As the string of pearls makes rhythmic sounds |
| Vannakkola valaiyalgal oosaiyida | As the colorful bangles make a sweet noise |
| Suththi suththi vanthu aadungadi | Gather round and dance in circles, ladies |
| Sundhara kannanai paadungadi | Sing of the beautiful Lord Krishna, ladies |
| Sundhara kannanai paadungadi | Sing of the beautiful Lord Krishna, ladies |
| Female | |
| Kottungadi kummi kottungadi | Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi |
| Thattungadi kaiya thattungadi | Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands |
| Chorus :Kottungadi kummi kottungadi | Chorus: Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi |
| Thattungadi kaiya thattungadi | Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands |
| Chorus | |
| Kolaattam idhu kolaattam | This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam |
| Gogulaththil indru kondaattam | Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam |
| Kolaattam idhu kolaattam | This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam |
| Gogulaththil indru kondaattam | Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam |
| Male | |
| Kannanin thirumugam paalaattam | Krishna's divine face is pure like milk |
| Female :Kangal irandum velaattam | Female: Both his eyes dart around like sharp spears |
| Male :Kannanin thirumugam paalaattam | Male: Krishna's divine face is pure like milk |
| Female :Kangal irandum velaattam | Female: Both his eyes dart around like sharp spears |
| Female | |
| Kannam thaamarai poovaattam | Cheeks are delicate like lotus flowers |
| Minnum punnagai ponnaattam | Shining smile glows like pure gold |
| Male :Kolaattam idhu kolaattam | Male: This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam |
| Kogulaththil indru kondaattam | Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam |
| Male :Kolaattam idhu kolaattam | Male: This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam |
| Kogulaththil indru kondaattam | Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam |
மற்றும் பி. சுஷீலா
Oh Krishna, jewel-hued one, of the shepherd clan
Oh lamp of jewel, our king
Oh colorful green parrot
Oh sculpted golden statue
In the grove of thoughts
Oh young cuckoo that sings music
In the grove of thoughts
Oh young cuckoo that sings music... aa... aa...
Oh young cuckoo that sings music
கண்ணா.......மணிவண்ணா......ஆயர்க்குல
மணிவிளக்கே எங்கள் மன்னா
வண்ணப் பசுங்கிளியே.........
வார்த்தெடுத்த பொற்சிலையே
எண்ணமெனும் சோலையிலே
இசைப்பாடும் இளங்குயிலே..........
எண்ணமெனும் சோலையிலே
இசைப்பாடும் இளங்குயிலே...ஆ....ஆ.....
இசைப்பாடும் இளங்குயிலே
In our house on any given day
It is only Krishna's song
In our house on any given day
It is only Krishna's song
எங்கள் வீட்டில் எந்த நாளும்
கண்ணன் பாட்டுத்தான்
எங்கள் வீட்டில் எந்த நாளும்
கண்ணன் பாட்டுத்தான்
With a smile like a fine red lotus
It is the king's song
With a smile like a fine red lotus
It is the king's song...
நல்ல செங்கமல சிரிப்பிருக்கும்
மன்னன் பாட்டுத்தான்.....
நல்ல செங்கமல சிரிப்பிருக்கும்
மன்னன் பாட்டுத்தான்.....
Little Krishna, he is the darling Krishna
Little Krishna, he is the darling Krishna
He is a mischievous child
A very mischievous child indeed
The hand that holds him close smells sweet
Like colorful jasmine blossoms
The hand that holds him close smells sweet
Like colorful jasmine blossoms
சின்னக் கண்ணன் அவன் செல்லக் கண்ணன்
சின்னக் கண்ணன் அவன் செல்லக் கண்ணன்
சுட்டிப் பிள்ளைத்தான்
படுச்சுட்டிப் பிள்ளைத்தான்
அள்ளிக் கொண்ட கை மணக்கும்
வண்ண முல்லைத்தான்.......
அள்ளிக் கொண்ட கை மணக்கும்
வண்ண முல்லைத்தான்.......
Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi
Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands
Chorus: Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi
Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands
பெண் குழு :
எங்கள் வீட்டில் எந்த நாளும்
கண்ணன் பாட்டுத்தான்
நல்ல செங்கமல சிரிப்பிருக்கும்
மன்னன் பாட்டுத்தான்.....
மன்னன் பாட்டுத்தான்.....
எங்கள் மன்னன் பாட்டுத்தான்.....
As the string of pearls makes rhythmic sounds
As the colorful bangles make a sweet noise
Gather round and dance in circles, ladies
Sing of the beautiful Lord Krishna, ladies
Sing of the beautiful Lord Krishna, ladies
கொட்டுங்கடி கும்மி கொட்டுங்கடி
தட்டுங்கடி கைய தட்டுங்கடி
குழு :
கொட்டுங்கடி கும்மி கொட்டுங்கடி
தட்டுங்கடி கைய தட்டுங்கடி
Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi
Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands
Chorus: Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi
Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands
முத்துச் சரமணி சத்தமிட
வண்ணக் கோல வளையல்கள் ஓசையிட
சுத்தி சுத்தி வந்து ஆடுங்கடி
சுந்தரக் கண்ணனை பாடுங்கடி.....
சுந்தரக் கண்ணனை பாடுங்கடி.....
This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam
Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam
This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam
Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam
கொட்டுங்கடி கும்மி கொட்டுங்கடி
தட்டுங்கடி கைய தட்டுங்கடி
குழு :
கொட்டுங்கடி கும்மி கொட்டுங்கடி
தட்டுங்கடி கைய தட்டுங்கடி
Krishna's divine face is pure like milk
Female: Both his eyes dart around like sharp spears
Male: Krishna's divine face is pure like milk
Female: Both his eyes dart around like sharp spears
கோலாட்டம் இது கோலாட்டம்
கோகுலத்தில் இன்று கொண்டாட்டம்
கோலாட்டம் இது கோலாட்டம்
கோகுலத்தில் இன்று கொண்டாட்டம்
Cheeks are delicate like lotus flowers
Shining smile glows like pure gold
Male: This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam
Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam
Male: This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam
Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam
கண்ணனின் திருமுகம் பாலாட்டம்
கண்கள் இரண்டும் வேலாட்டம்
கண்ணனின் திருமுகம் பாலாட்டம்
கண்கள் இரண்டும் வேலாட்டம்\
கன்னம் தாமரைப் பூவாட்டம்
மின்னும் புன்னகை பொன்னாட்டம்
கோலாட்டம் இது கோலாட்டம்
கோகுலத்தில் இன்று கொண்டாட்டம்.....
கோலாட்டம் இது கோலாட்டம்
கோகுலத்தில் இன்று கொண்டாட்டம்.....
Kanna…..manivanna…..aayarkkula
Oh Krishna, jewel-hued one, of the shepherd clan
Manivilakkae engal mannaa
Oh lamp of jewel, our king
Vanna pasungkiliyae
Oh colorful green parrot
Vaarththeduththa porsilaiyae
Oh sculpted golden statue
Ennmenum cholaiyilae
In the grove of thoughts
Isaipaadum ilanguyilae
Oh young cuckoo that sings music
Ennmenum cholaiyilae
In the grove of thoughts
Isaipaadum ilanguyilae….aa….aa….
Oh young cuckoo that sings music... aa... aa...
Isaipaadum ilanguyilae
Oh young cuckoo that sings music
Engal veettil entha naalum
In our house on any given day
Kannan paattuththaan
It is only Krishna's song
Engal veettil entha naalum
In our house on any given day
Kannan paattuththaan
It is only Krishna's song
Nalla sengamala sirippirukkum
With a smile like a fine red lotus
Mannan paattuththaan
It is the king's song
Nalla sengamala sirippirukkum
With a smile like a fine red lotus
Mannan paattuththaan…..
It is the king's song...
: Chinna kannan avan chella kannan
Little Krishna, he is the darling Krishna
Chinna kannan avan chella kannan
Little Krishna, he is the darling Krishna
Sutti pillaiththaan
He is a mischievous child
Paduchchutti pillaiththaan
A very mischievous child indeed
Alli konda kai manakkum
The hand that holds him close smells sweet
Vanna mullaiththaan
Like colorful jasmine blossoms
Alli konda kai manakkum
The hand that holds him close smells sweet
Vanna mullaiththaan
Like colorful jasmine blossoms
Kottungadi kummi kottungadi
Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi
Thattungadi kaiya thattungadi
Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands
Chorus :Kottungadi kummi kottungadi
Chorus: Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi
Thattungadi kaiya thattungadi
Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands
Muththu saramani saththamida
As the string of pearls makes rhythmic sounds
Vannakkola valaiyalgal oosaiyida
As the colorful bangles make a sweet noise
Suththi suththi vanthu aadungadi
Gather round and dance in circles, ladies
Sundhara kannanai paadungadi
Sing of the beautiful Lord Krishna, ladies
Sundhara kannanai paadungadi
Sing of the beautiful Lord Krishna, ladies
Kottungadi kummi kottungadi
Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi
Thattungadi kaiya thattungadi
Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands
Chorus :Kottungadi kummi kottungadi
Chorus: Beat the Kummi dance, ladies, beat the Kummi
Thattungadi kaiya thattungadi
Clap your hands, ladies, clap your hands
Kolaattam idhu kolaattam
This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam
Gogulaththil indru kondaattam
Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam
Kolaattam idhu kolaattam
This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam
Gogulaththil indru kondaattam
Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam
Kannanin thirumugam paalaattam
Krishna's divine face is pure like milk
Female :Kangal irandum velaattam
Female: Both his eyes dart around like sharp spears
Male :Kannanin thirumugam paalaattam
Male: Krishna's divine face is pure like milk
Female :Kangal irandum velaattam
Female: Both his eyes dart around like sharp spears
Kannam thaamarai poovaattam
Cheeks are delicate like lotus flowers
Minnum punnagai ponnaattam
Shining smile glows like pure gold
Male :Kolaattam idhu kolaattam
Male: This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam
Kogulaththil indru kondaattam
Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam
Male :Kolaattam idhu kolaattam
Male: This is Kolaattam stick dance, this is Kolaattam
Kogulaththil indru kondaattam
Today is a grand celebration in Gokulam
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
Vaa Kanna Vaa is a joyful devotional folk-style song dedicated to young Lord Krishna, set against the backdrop of vibrant village celebrations in Gokulam. The lyrics affectionately praise Krishna using vivid imagery, comparing him to a green parrot, a golden statue, and a sweet cuckoo singing in the forest of thoughts, illustrating how his praise fills the home every day. The song captures the essence of traditional Tamil folk dance performances such as Kummi (hand-clapping dance) and Kolaattam (stick dance). Women gather in circles, their bangles and pearl necklaces jingling in sync with the rhythm, as they sing praises of Krishna's divine beauty, comparing his face to milk, his eyes to spears, his cheeks to lotuses, and his smile to gold.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Ennmenum cholaiyilae”
'Ennmenum cholaiyilae' compares thoughts ('ennam') to a lush garden/grove ('cholai'), symbolizing how Krishna occupies the garden of the devotee's mind.
Simile (Uvamai)
“Kannanin thirumugam paalaattam”
The suffix '-aattam' (meaning 'like' or 'resembling') is used repeatedly to compare divine qualities: Krishna's face like milk ('paalaattam'), eyes like spears ('velaattam'), cheeks like lotus ('thaamarai poovaattam'), and smile like gold ('ponnaattam').
Second-letter Rhyme (Edhugai)
“Kottungadi kummi kottungadi”
The second consonant sound matches across lines ('Kottungadi' / 'Thattungadi'), creating the bouncy rhythmic beat essential for Tamil Kummi folk music.
Repetition/Anaphora (Adukku Thodar)
“Suththi suththi vanthu aadungadi”
The repetition of 'Suththi suththi' adds rhythmic momentum, portraying the circular movement of the dancers in the Kummi folk dance.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song from the 1982 film 'Vaa Kanna Vaa' starring Sivaji Ganesan and Sujatha features music composed by the iconic M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Vaali. It incorporates traditional Tamil folk forms like 'Kummi' and 'Kolaattam', which are traditionally performed during village festivals and Krishna Janmashtami celebrations.
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