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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannan Enna Sonaan

From Sainthadamma Sainthadu · 1977

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Sainthadamma Sainthadu1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kannan enna sonnaanWhat did Kannan say?
Siru pillaiyae kanneer varaOh little child, why are tears falling?
Kaaranam yen kodi mullaiyaeWhat is the reason, oh jasmine creeper?
Kattazhagu pettagamaeOh treasure chest of beauty!
Ilan thendralaeOh gentle breeze!
Kann valaraai en madiyilSleep softly in my lap.
Female
Kannan enna sonnaanWhat did Kannan say?
Siru pillaiyae kanneer varaOh little child, why are tears falling?
Kaaranam yen kodi mullaiyaeWhat is the reason, oh jasmine creeper?
Kattazhagu pettagamaeOh treasure chest of beauty!
Ilan thendralaeOh gentle breeze!
Kann valaraai en madiyilSleep softly in my lap.
Female
{Kumariyalla innumThat you are not yet a young woman,
Kuzhandhai endruBut still a child at heart,
Kula vilakkae naan ariven ..en..} (2)Oh light of our home, I know this well.
Female
Penn manadhai pennarivaalOnly a woman truly understands a woman's heart,
Pirai thingalaeOh crescent moon!
Enna kurai ennidam solTell me what troubles you,
Ilan thendralaeOh gentle breeze!
Female
Sondham naan irukkaAs long as I am here as your kin,
Siru pillaiyae sodhanaigalOh little child, trials and sorrows
Yedhum illaiShall not touch you.
Female
Kannan enna sonnaanWhat did Kannan say?
Siru pillaiyae kanneer varaOh little child, why are tears falling?
Kaaranam yen kodi mullaiyaeWhat is the reason, oh jasmine creeper?
Kattazhagu pettagamaeOh treasure chest of beauty!
Ilan thendralaeOh gentle breeze!
Kann valaraai en madiyilSleep softly in my lap.
Female
{Kaalam yenumPlacing you in a gem-studded cradle
Mani thottil ittuNamed Time,
Kadavul avan aattugindraan..aan} (2)God Himself is rocking it gently.
Female
Annaiyavan thandhaiyavanHe is the mother, He is the father,
Adi kanmaniOh precious darling!
Kan vizhippaan kaathiruppaanHe will stay awake and protect you,
Adi ponmaniOh golden gem!
Female
Kannae karpagamaeOh dear eyes, oh wish-fulfilling tree,
Siru pillaiyaeOh little child!
Kattavizhndha mottazhagaeOh beauty of an blossoming bud!
Female
Kannan enna sonnaanWhat did Kannan say?
Siru pillaiyae kanneer varaOh little child, why are tears falling?
Kaaranam yen kodi mullaiyaeWhat is the reason, oh jasmine creeper?
Kattazhagu pettagamaeOh treasure chest of beauty!
Ilan thendralaeOh gentle breeze!
Kann valaraai en madiyilaSleep softly in my lap.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a tender and comforting lullaby where an elder sister or motherly figure reassures a young girl who is distressed by her beloved Kannan's words. Recognizing her innocence and youth, the speaker offers comfort, listening to her grievances and assuring her that she will always be protected. She emphasizes that God himself watches over her like a parent, gently rocking the cradle of time. The lyrics use poetic imagery of nature, calling the girl a jasmine creeper, gentle breeze, and blooming flower bud. The overall sentiment is one of deep affection, maternal warmth, and spiritual solace, comforting the young girl into peaceful sleep in her lap.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kattazhagu pettagamae

Comparing the girl to a treasure chest of beauty ('Kattazhagu pettagamae') and a jasmine creeper ('kodi mullaiyae').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kaalam yenum Mani thottil ittu

Describing Time as a gem-encrusted cradle ('Kaalam yenum Mani thottil').

Personification / Metaphor

Ilan thendralae

Comparing the girl's softness to a gentle breeze ('Ilan thendralae') and a crescent moon ('Pirai thingalae').

Refrain / Repetition (Anaphora)

Kannan enna sonnaan

The opening lines repeat across choruses to establish a comforting rhythm suitable for a lullaby.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Sainthadamma Sainthadu' is a 1977 Tamil film featuring soothing maternal and family-centric compositions written by the legendary lyricist Vaali.

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