- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Unakkaagave Vaazhgiren
- Movie release year
- 1986
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Feb 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Kannaa Unai Thedugiren' from Unakkaagave Vaazhgiren (1986) is an emotional duet expressing deep heartbreak, longing, and eventual emotional comfort. The female protagonist pours out her anguish over separation, asking why her lover maintains a painful silence and comparing her endless tears to an ever-flowing stream. She begs him to return and heal her wounded heart. In response, the male protagonist offers comfort, reassuring her that love is immortal and that troubles are merely fleeting. Using natural imagery, he explains that just as clouds pass but the sky remains, hardship is temporary while love endures forever. The song transitions from sorrowful lamentation to hopeful solace as the lovers reunite.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Kanneer kuyil padugirenn vaa”
The singer describes herself as a 'Kanneer Kuyil' (tearful cuckoo), personifying her sorrow through the image of a weeping songbird.
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi Ani)
“Gangai neer kaayakoodum / Kanneer athu kaayumaa”
The lyricist exaggerates the grief by stating that even the sacred river Ganges might dry up, but tears born of true love will never run dry.
Analogy / Contrast
“Meghangal poi vidum / Vaanam enna poghuma”
The temporary nature of life's troubles is compared to clouds ('Meghangal'), while love is compared to the sky ('Vaanam') which remains permanent.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kannaa unai thedugirenn vaa”
Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound across lines creates melodic harmony ('Kannaa', 'Kanneer', 'Kannanggalum').
Did you know?
Trivia
The song features in the 1986 Tamil romantic drama film 'Unakkaagave Vaazhgiren', directed by K. Rangaraj and starring Sivakumar, Nadhiya, and Suresh. The music for the film was composed by Malayalam music director K. J. Joy, with lyrics penned by Vairamuthu. The duet versions were sung by iconic playback singers S. Janaki and K. J. Yesudas.
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