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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannana Kanmaniye

From Raja Sevai · 1959

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singers
P. Leela, Chorus
Music director
T. V. Raju
Details
Raja Sevai1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kannana kanmaniye kali theerkka vandhavalaePrecious child, darling of my eyes, you who came to remove my sorrows
Chorus :Kannana kanmaniye kali theerkka vandhavalaeChorus: Precious child, darling of my eyes, you who came to remove my sorrows
Female :Ponnaana silaiyae pugazh maevum kaliyaeFemale: Golden statue, renowned Kali, radiant goddess
Puviyala pirandhavalaeYou who were born to rule this world
Chorus :Kannana kanmaniye kali theerkka vandhavalaeChorus: Precious child, darling of my eyes, you who came to remove my sorrows
Female
Veerapuli eendra vithaaga pirandhaaiYou were born as a seed birthed by a brave tiger
Vidhiyin sadhiyaale nilaimaari valarndhaaiDue to fate's trickery, you grew up in altered circumstances
Female
Veerapuli eendra vithaaga pirandhaaiYou were born as a seed birthed by a brave tiger
Vidhiyin sadhiyaale nilaimaari valarndhaaiDue to fate's trickery, you grew up in altered circumstances
Paaril unai tahndha uyir tahndhai polaeLike your noble father who gave you life in this world
Poraadu pugazhaanaal magizhnvaen thannalaeFight onward! If you achieve glory, I will rejoice within myself
Kannaana kanmaiyae kali theertha vinmaniyaePrecious darling child, heavenly gem who ended my sorrow
Female
Villambin munnalae veeram nilladhuEven bravery cannot stand before the tip of a bow's arrow
Un sollambin munnalae edhuvum solladhuNothing can speak or stand against the arrow of your words
Villambin munnalae veeram nilladhuEven bravery cannot stand before the tip of a bow's arrow
Un sollambin munnalae edhuvum solladhuNothing can speak or stand against the arrow of your words
Veera maniyaaga ennaalum neeyaeAs a shining jewel of heroism, always remain yourself
Vilangidum nilai kandu magizhvomae thaayaeSeeing your exalted state, we shall rejoice, dear mother
Chorus :Kannana kanmaniye kali theerkka vandhavalaeChorus: Precious child, darling of my eyes, you who came to remove my sorrows
Female
Vaedhaandha kalaiyodu oli veesa vendumYou must shine brightly with the art of spiritual philosophy
Vingyaana arivodu vialiyaada vendumYou must excel with modern scientific wisdom
Vaedhaandha kalaiyodu oli veesa vendumYou must shine brightly with the art of spiritual philosophy
Vingyaana arivodu vialiyaada vendumYou must excel with modern scientific wisdom
Varungaala verranendru ulagorr kondaadaSo that the entire world celebrates you as a future hero
Vaazhnaalil kaanadha pugazh vaanga vendumYou must earn glory unmatched in a lifetime
Kannaana kanmaiyae kali theertha vinmaniyaePrecious darling child, heavenly gem who ended my sorrow
Chorus
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Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from Raja Sevai (1959) is an empowering lullaby and ode sung by P. Leela. It expresses a mother's deep affection, proud encouragement, and high aspirations for her child. The lyrics address the child as noble offspring born of heroic lineage ('a seed of a brave tiger') who was displaced from royal heritage due to fate's unpredictable plot. The song inspires the child to master both martial prowess and persuasive speech. It uniquely calls for a balance of traditional philosophy (Vedanta) and modern scientific intellect (Vingyaanam), wishing for the child to rise as a celebrated future hero of global renown.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Veerapuli eendra vithaaga pirandhaai

Comparing the child to the 'seed of a brave tiger' ('Veerapuli eendra vithu') to denote noble and courageous lineage.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Un sollambin munnalae edhuvum solladhu

Comparing words to arrows ('sollambin') to signify the powerful impact of eloquent speech.

Edugai (Rhyme on second letter)

Villambin munnalae veeram nilladhu / Un sollambin munnalae edhuvum solladhu

The second letter 'l' matches in 'Villambin' and 'sollambin', creating a pleasing poetic rhyme.

Monai (Alliteration on first letter)

Vaedhaandha kalaiyodu oli veesa vendum / Vingyaana arivodu vialiyaada vendum

The first letter 'Va' repeats across 'Vaedhaandha' and 'Vingyaana', emphasizing the contrast between philosophy and science.

Did you know?

Trivia

In 'Raja Sevai' (1959), directed by K. Shankar with music by T. V. Raju, lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass incorporated progressive modern ideas like scientific learning ('Vingyaana arivu') alongside ancient wisdom ('Vaedhaandha kalai') within a traditional period-drama song structure.

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