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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannamma En Kannamma

From Kara · 2015

Lyricist
Dhanush
Singer
Dhanush
Music director
G. V. Prakash Kumar
Details
Kara2015

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kannamma en kannammaKannamma, my Kannamma,
En kannukulla neethaanadiye yeeee….You are the one residing inside my eyes, oh dear...
Onnathaane onnathaaneOnly you, only you,
En nenjukulla thaangum uyire ye….Are the precious life held within my heart...
Male
Enakkaaga enakkaagaFor my sake, specifically for my sake,
Poranthaaye varamaYou were born as a divine blessing.
Idhu thaano idhu thaanoIs this, is this truly
Piravi sugamaThe ultimate bliss of taking birth?
Male
Madi saaya madi saayaTo rest my head on your lap, to rest on your lap,
Kadaha sollu edhamaTell me a story with comfort and warmth.
Seragaana en nenjamMy heart, which has now sprouted wings,
Vaanam thodumaWill it touch the high sky?
Male
Uyire adi uyireMy life, oh my dear life,
Nee irunthaale podhumIt is enough if you are merely by my side.
Kara sera vazhi thedumSearching for a path to reach the shore,
Padagum meelumThe sinking boat will rise and float again.
Male
Kannamma en kannammaKannamma, my Kannamma,
En kannukulla neethaanadiye yeeee….You are the one residing inside my eyes, oh dear...
Onnathaane onnathaaneOnly you, only you,
En nenjukulla thaangum uyire yee…Are the precious life held within my heart...
Male
Veyilukku othungaTo shelter me from the scorching sun,
Unadhu mundhaanaThe loose end of your saree
Nizhal tharum neranthiramProvides a permanent comforting shade,
Enakku thanthaaneBestowed upon me!
Male
Iruttuku mezhugaLike a candle melting in the dark,
Urugum pennaalaBecause of this selflessly melting woman,
Sumanthidum valigalumAll the heavy pains borne in life
Aarum thannaalaHeal completely on their own.
Male
Vaazhum varaiyeAs long as I live,
Enai aalum piraiyeOh crescent moon that rules over me,
Karayuren karayurenI am dissolving, I am dissolving,
Unakkulla naaneDeep inside you,
Hey unakulla naaneHey, deep inside you...
Male
Kannamma en kannammaKannamma, my Kannamma,
En kannukulla neethaanadiye yeeee….You are the one residing inside my eyes, oh dear...
Onnathaane onnathaaneOnly you, only you,
En nenjukulla thaangum uyire ye….Are the precious life held within my heart...
Male
Enakkaaga enakkaagaFor my sake, specifically for my sake,
Poranthaaye varamaYou were born as a divine blessing.
Idhu thaano idhu thaanoIs this, is this truly
Piravi sugamaThe ultimate bliss of taking birth?
Male
Madi saaya madi saayaTo rest my head on your lap, to rest on your lap,
Kadaha sollu edhamaTell me a story with comfort and warmth.
Seragaana en nenjamMy heart, which has now sprouted wings,
Vaanam thodumaWill it touch the high sky?
Male
Uyire adi uyireMy life, oh my dear life,
Nee irunthaale podhumIt is enough if you are merely by my side.
Kara sera vazhi thedumSearching for a path to reach the shore,
Padagum meelumThe sinking boat will rise and float again.
Male
Kannamma en kannammaKannamma, my Kannamma,
En kannukulla neethaanadiye yeeee….You are the one residing inside my eyes, oh dear...
Onnathaane onnathaaneOnly you, only you,
En nenjukulla thaangum uyire ye….Are the precious life held within my heart...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soulful track expresses deep romantic devotion, vulnerability, and gratitude towards a beloved partner referred to affectionately as 'Kannamma'. The protagonist reflects on how his lover's presence completes his life, acting as a divine blessing and a safe haven. She is depicted as a source of comfort who heals his emotional wounds like a selflessly melting candle in the darkness and offers shelter like shade under the hot sun. The lyrics use poetic imagery of a lost boat finding its way back to the shore to symbolize how love provides direction, hope, and resilience in times of struggle. Ultimately, the song portrays love as a transcendent force that makes life's hardships bearable and gives the soul wings to soar.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Onnathaane onnathaane

Repeating words back-to-back like 'Onnathaane onnathaane' and 'Enakkaaga enakkaaga' heightens the emotional intimacy and reinforces devotion.

Metaphor (Uvamaani / Uruvagam)

Iruttuku mezhuga urugum pennaala

Comparing the woman's selfless care to a melting candle ('Iruttuku mezhuga urugum pennaala') illustrates her ability to bring light and healing into his dark times.

Metaphor (Extended Imagery)

Enai aalum piraiye

The lover is personified as a crescent moon ('Piraiye') that governs the speaker's heart and life.

Allegory / Symbolism

Kara sera vazhi thedum padagum meelum

The boat ('padagu') finding its way to the shore ('kara') symbolizes a troubled soul regaining hope and direction through the power of love.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written and rendered by actor-lyricist Dhanush, 'Kannamma' showcases his signature conversational yet deeply emotional lyrical style. Composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, the track stands out for its minimal acoustic arrangement that highlights vocal expressiveness.

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