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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanne Kalaimaane (Sad)

From Moondram Pirai · 1982

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Moondram Pirai1982

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kaadhal kondenI fell in love
Kanavinai valarthenI nurtured a dream
Kanmani unai naanYou, the apple of my eye
Karuthinil niraithenI filled my thoughts with you
Male
Unakae uyiraanenI dedicated my entire life to you
Innaalil enai nee marandhayaeYet today, you forgot me
Nee illaamal edhu nimathiWhere is peace of mind without you?
Nee thaan endrum en sannidhiYou alone are my eternal sanctuary
Male
Kannae kalaimaanaeOh my precious eye, my graceful deer
Kanni mayilenaLike a youthful peacock
Kanden unai nanaeI saw you myself
Andhi pagal unnai naan paarkirenDay and night, I gaze upon you
Aandavanai ithai thaan ketkirenThis is the only blessing I ask of God
Male
Raariraaro oraariroo…Lullaby refrain (Raariraaro oraariroo…)
Raariraaro oraariroo….Lullaby refrain (Raariraaro oraariroo…)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This heartwarming lullaby from 'Moondram Pirai' conveys deep, unconditional affection and devotion. The protagonist reflects on how he lovingly nurtured dreams around his beloved, viewing her as his peace and sanctuary. Even as fate creates distance or forgetfulness between them, his devotion remains constant as he prays to God while watching over her day and night.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kaadhal konden / Kanavinai valarthen / Kanmani unai naan / Karuthinil niraithen

The repetition of the initial 'Ka' consonant sound in consecutive lines creates a poetic rhythm.

Uvamai (Simile)

Kanni mayilena

Comparing the beloved's grace to that of a youthful peacock using the comparison suffix 'ena'.

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Kannae kalaimaanae

Directly metaphorizing the beloved as 'Kannae' (precious eye) and 'Kalaimaanae' (artful deer).

Did you know?

Trivia

This iconic song holds historical significance as it was the final song written by the legendary Tamil poet and lyricist Kannadasan before his death in October 1981. Composed by Ilaiyaraaja and rendered by K. J. Yesudas, it remains one of the most beloved lullabies in Tamil cinema.

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