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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanne Kanne Urangathe

From Iruvar Ullam · 1963

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Iruvar Ullam1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kannae kannae urangaadhaeO darling, O darling, do not sleep,
Kaadhalar varuvaar kalangaadhaeYour lover will arrive, do not worry.
Pennae pennae mayangaadhaeO woman, O woman, do not be spellbound,
Penmaiyai vazhanga thayangaadhaeDo not hesitate to offer your womanhood.
Female
Kannae kannae urangaadhaeO darling, O darling, do not sleep,
Kaadhalar varuvaar kalangaadhaeYour lover will arrive, do not worry.
Pennae pennae mayangaadhaeO woman, O woman, do not be spellbound,
Penmaiyai vazhanga thayangaadhaeDo not hesitate to offer your womanhood.
Kannae kannae urangaadhaeO darling, O darling, do not sleep,
Female
Malligai mullai vaarungalGather jasmine and mullai flowers,
En malaranai thanilae serungalPlace them upon my bed of blossoms.
Malligai mullai vaarungalGather jasmine and mullai flowers,
En malaranai thanilae serungalPlace them upon my bed of blossoms.
Naangal thulli ezhundhu aadidum podhuWhen we leap up and dance in joy,
Thuvandu vizhundhu vaadungalWilt down, wither, and fall away.
Female
Kannae kannae urangaadhaeO darling, O darling, do not sleep,
Kaadhalar varuvaar kalangaadhaeYour lover will arrive, do not worry.
Pennae pennae mayangaadhaeO woman, O woman, do not be spellbound,
Penmaiyai vazhanga thayangaadhaeDo not hesitate to offer your womanhood.
Kannae kannae urangaadhaeO darling, O darling, do not sleep,
Female
Ithanai naalaai irundu kidandhaWhich remained in darkness for so many days,
Iraivan veettil thiruvilakkuThe sacred lamp in God's abode,
Ithanai naalaai irundu kidandhaWhich remained in darkness for so many days,
Iraivan veettil thiruvilakkuThe sacred lamp in God's abode,
Naan yetri vitten avar kaanbadharkendraeI have lit it for him to behold,
Erigiradhammaa oru vilakkuAh, a lamp is burning bright!
Female
Kannae kannae urangaadhaeO darling, O darling, do not sleep,
Female
Netriyil ulla kungumamThe vermilion mark upon the forehead
Avar nenjin melae pada vendumMust touch upon his chest.
Netriyil ulla kungumamThe vermilion mark upon the forehead
Avar nenjin melae pada vendumMust touch upon his chest.
Sutriya koondhal malligaiThe jasmine adorned in the styled hair
Avar tholin melae vizha vendumMust fall upon his shoulders.
Female
Kannae kannae urangaadhaeO darling, O darling, do not sleep,
Kaadhalar varuvaar kalangaadhaeYour lover will arrive, do not worry.
Pennae pennae mayangaadhaeO woman, O woman, do not be spellbound,
Penmaiyai vazhanga thayangaadhaeDo not hesitate to offer your womanhood.
Kannae kannae urangaadhaeO darling, O darling, do not sleep.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This iconic Tamil song from 'Iruvar Ullam' (1963) portrays a woman preparing herself with anticipation and joy for the arrival of her beloved on their wedding night. She sings to herself, addressing her own heart and femininity, telling herself not to fall asleep or feel hesitant, but to embrace love and surrender to her husband. Through poetic imagery of fresh flowers, lit lamps, and symbolic intimacy like vermilion touching his chest, she expresses the holy union of two souls.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukku Thodar (Repetition)

Kannae kannae urangaadhae

Repetition of words like 'Kannae kannae' and 'Pennae pennae' for rhythmic emphasis and affectionate self-address.

Emona / Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Kaadhalar varuvaar kalangaadhae

Use of rhyming end sounds 'urangaadhae', 'kalangaadhae', 'mayangaadhae', and 'thayangaadhae' creating a gentle lullaby-like cadence.

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Iraivan veettil thiruvilakku

Comparing the domestic home/heart to the house of God ('Iraivan veettil thiruvilakku') which was dark until lit by love and marriage.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Iruvar Ullam' (1963) stars Sivaji Ganesan and B. Saroja Devi. The film's musical score was composed by the legendary K. V. Mahadevan, with vocals provided by P. Susheela and lyrics penned by Kannadasan.

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