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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannaa Varuvaayaa

From Manathil Urudhi Vendum · 1987

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
K. S. Chitra, K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Manathil Urudhi Vendum1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
………….....
Female
Kannaa varuvaayaaWill you come, Krishna?
Kannaa varuvaayaa meeraa ketkiraalMeera asks, 'Will you come, Krishna?'
Mannan varum paathai mangai paarkkiraalThe young woman gazes at the path her king will take.
Maalai malar cholai nadhiyoram nadanthuWalking along the riverbank in the evening flower garden,
Female
Kannaa varuvaayaa meeraa ketkiraalMeera asks, 'Will you come, Krishna?'
Chorus :Kannaa…..kannaa….kannaa…..kannaa….Chorus: Krishna... Krishna... Krishna... Krishna...
Male
Aa….neela vaanum nilavum neerumAh... the blue sky, the moon, and the water,
Neeyena kaangiraenI see them all as you.
Female :Unnumpothum urangumpothumFemale: While eating and while sleeping,
Un mugam paarkkiraenI see only your face.
Male
Kannan vanthu neenthidaathuWithout Krishna coming to swim in it,
Kaainthu pogum parkadalThe ocean of milk itself will dry up.
Female :Unnai ingu aadai polaFemale: Here, like a garment,
Yaettrukollum poovudalThis flower-like body embraces you.
Male
Verillaiyae birunthaavanamThere is no other Vrindavan.
Female :Vidinthaalum nam aalinganamFemale: Even if dawn breaks, our embrace continues.
Male :Sorkkam idhuvo….Male: Is this heaven...?
Male
Meera varuvaalaa kannan ketkiraanKrishna asks, 'Will Meera come?'
Maalai malar cholai nadhiyoram nadanthuWalking along the riverbank in the evening flower garden,
Meera varuvaalaa kannan ketkiraanKrishna asks, 'Will Meera come?'
Male
Malligai panjanai ittuLaying a bed of jasmine,
Melliya sittridai thottuTouching the slender waist,
Mogam theerkkavaa….Shall I quench this yearning...?
Male
Malligai panjanai ittuLaying a bed of jasmine,
Melliya sittridai thottuTouching the slender waist,
Mogam theerkkavaa….Shall I quench this yearning...?
Female
Manmatha manthiram solliChanting the mantras of Cupid,
Vanthanal sundharavalli raagam serkkavaaIf the beautiful lady comes, shall I harmonize the melody?
Female
Manmatha manthiram solliChanting the mantras of Cupid,
Vanthanal sundharavalli raagam serkkavaaIf the beautiful lady comes, shall I harmonize the melody?
Male
Kodi idai odivathan munnamBefore your creeper-like waist snaps,
Madiyinil eduththidavaaShall I gather you into my lap?
Female :Malarvizhi mayangidum vannamFemale: In a way that enchants flower-like eyes,
Madhurasam koduththidavaaShall I offer the sweet nectar of love?
Male
Iravu muzhuthum uravu mazhayilaeThroughout the night, in the rain of togetherness,
Female :Iruvar udalum nanaiyum pozhuthilaeFemale: As the bodies of both get drenched,
Male :Oruvar kavithai oruvar vizhiyilaeMale: One person's poetry shines in the other's eyes.
Kannaa varuvaayaa……Will you come, Krishna...?
Female
Kannaa varuvaayaa meeraa ketkiraalMeera asks, 'Will you come, Krishna?'
Male :Meeraa varuvaalaa kannan ketkiraanMale: Krishna asks, 'Will Meera come?'
Female :Maalai malar cholai nadhiyoram nadanthuFemale: Walking along the riverbank in the evening flower garden,
Male :Meeraa varuvaalaa kannan ketkiraanMale: Krishna asks, 'Will Meera come?'
Chorus
Kannaa…..kannaa….kannaa…..kannaa….Krishna... Krishna... Krishna... Krishna...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from 'Manathil Urudhi Vendum' frames romantic devotion through the divine archetype of Lord Krishna and Meera. The heroine expresses her deep longing, seeing Krishna in every element of nature—the sky, moon, and water—and feeling that her life is incomplete without his presence. In response, Krishna expresses reciprocal adoration, weaving romantic imagery of soft jasmine beds, poetic embraces, and sweet togetherness. Vaali's lyrics elevate earthly love to a transcendent, spiritual level, while Ilaiyaraaja's composition and the vocal harmony between K. J. Yesudas and K. S. Chithra create a timeless atmosphere of devotional romance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Allegory / உருவகம்

Kannaa varuvaayaa meeraa ketkiraal

Human romantic yearning is allegorized through the divine love of Krishna and Meera.

Monai / Initial Rhyme / Alliteration (மோனை)

Malligai panjanai ittu / Melliya sittridai thottu / Mogam theerkkavaa….

The line repeats the initial 'Ma' sound ('Malligai', 'Melliya', 'Mogam') creating melodic rhythm.

Metaphor / உருவகம்

Yaettrukollum poovudal

Describing the body as 'Poovudal' (flower body) and eyes as 'Malarvizhi' (flower eyes) compares delicate physical features to soft blossoms.

Imagery / காட்சியணி

Maalai malar cholai nadhiyoram nadanthu

Evokes a picturesque sensory scene of walking through an evening garden filled with flowers alongside a riverbank.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Ilaiyaraaja for K. Balachander's 1987 film 'Manathil Urudhi Vendum', this song is renowned for its seamless blend of Carnatic classical nuances with contemporary orchestration. The duet sung by K. J. Yesudas and K. S. Chithra remains one of the most iconic Tamil film duets centered on the theme of Krishna-Meera romance.

Keep listening

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