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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannanin Sannathiyil I

From Oru Kodiyil Iru Malargal · 1976

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Oru Kodiyil Iru Malargal1976

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Alangaara oviyam anbu enum kaaviyamA decorative painting, an epic named love,
Annanin thangai angaeThere stands the elder brother's sister.
Nalam paadum nenjame naalellaamOh heart that sings for well-being every day,
Kondavan thangaiyin annan ingaeHere stands the brother of the sister's husband.
Male
Kannanin sannathiyilIn Lord Krishna's presence,
Enthan kanmani punnagaiyilIn the smile of my precious darling,
Inimel kaalangal ullavaraiFrom now on, as long as time exists,
Enthan ponmanikenna kuraiWhat lack could my golden deer have?
Male
Kannanin sannathiyilIn Lord Krishna's presence,
Enthan kanmani punnagaiyilIn the smile of my precious darling,
Inimel kaalangal ullavaraiFrom now on, as long as time exists,
Enthan ponmanikenna kuraiWhat lack could my golden deer have?
Male
Anbu sonna vedhamThe scripture spoken by love,
Naan andru konda paasamThe affection I felt back then,
Engu nindra pothumWherever I may stand,
En ennam unnai vaazhththumMy thoughts will bless you.
Male
Annamitta kaigalThe hands that fed food,
Naan annai endru sollumI shall call a mother's hands,
Gangai pola pongumOverflowing like the River Ganges,
En thangai konda ullamIs the heart possessed by my sister.
Male
Karpanai oru kodiTen million imaginations,
Enthan kan vazhi uruvaagiTaking shape through my eyes,
Indru soppanam kaanuthammaaAre dreaming today, my dear,
Engo sinthanai oduthammaaMy thoughts are wandering somewhere, my dear.
Male
Kannanin sannathiyilIn Lord Krishna's presence,
Enthan kanmani punnagaiyilIn the smile of my precious darling,
Inimel kaalangal ullavaraiFrom now on, as long as time exists,
Enthan ponmanikenna kuraiWhat lack could my golden deer have?
Male
Maalai soodikonduAdorned with a wedding garland,
En manjal vaazhai kandruMy tender golden banana sapling,
Naanam ponga nindruStanding filled with modesty,
Naan kaana vendum endruDesiring that I should witness it,
Male
Annan seitha yaavumEverything the brother did,
Nee arinthathillai indruYou do not realize today;
Kaalam solla koodumTime will eventually reveal,
En ullam ennavendruWhat lies inside my heart.
Male
Kattilil orr uravu pinnaalLater, a marital relationship,
Thottilil orr uravuFollowed by a maternal relationship in the cradle,
Ithupol aayiram uravu varumA thousand such bonds will arrive;
Engae annanin ninaivu varumWhere then will there be room for the brother's memory?
Male
Kannanin sannathiyilIn Lord Krishna's presence,
Enthan kanmani punnagaiyilIn the smile of my precious darling,
Inimel kaalangal ullavaraiFrom now on, as long as time exists,
Enthan ponmanikenna kuraiWhat lack could my golden deer have?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This emotional song portrays the unconditional affection and protective love of an elder brother for his sister. Standing before Lord Krishna, the brother praises her pure heart, comparing her generosity and warmth to a mother's touch and her affection to the holy river Ganges. He reflects on his sacrifices and wishes her eternal happiness as she embarks on married life. As he contemplates her future, he acknowledges that new bonds—marriage and motherhood—will eventually take center stage in her life, wondering if his memory might fade away in time. Despite this bittersweet realization, his blessings and love for her remain eternal and selfless.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Gangai pola pongum

Compares the sister's overflowing love and warmth to the holy River Ganges.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

En manjal vaazhai kandru

Metaphorically addresses the sister as a tender yellow banana sapling representing youth and fertility.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Alangaara oviyam anbu enum kaaviyam

Describes love as an artistic painting and a grand epic poem.

Alliteration (Emonai / Ethirai)

Kattilil orr uravu pinnaal / Thottilil orr uravu

Rhythmic rhyming structure between consecutive lines using 'Kattilil' and 'Thottilil' to contrast stages of life.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Vaali and sung by K. J. Yesudas, this track is renowned for its sentimental exploration of the sibling bond in Tamil cinema. The song beautifully captures the cultural weight of brotherly devotion and marriage transitions in traditional South Indian families.

Keep listening

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