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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanne Unnai Thodum

From Thooya Ullam · 1961

Lyricist
Udumalai Narayanakavi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Pendyala Nageswara Rao
Details
Thooya Ullam1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kannae kannae unnai thodumOh dear one, the person who touches you
Aalai ippodhuright now,
Innarendru kndupidikka venum thappadhuyou must identify who it is without fail.
Kannae kannae unnai thodumOh dear one, the person who touches you
Aalai ippodhuright now,
Innarendru kndupidikka venum thappadhuyou must identify who it is without fail.
Female
Karuthu nilai maarame kattai avizhthu paramaeWithout losing mental focus, unbind the cloth and see.
Karuthu nilai maarame kattai avizhthu paramaeWithout losing mental focus, unbind the cloth and see.
Female and Chorus :Kannae kannae unnai thodumFemale and Chorus: Oh dear one, the person who touches you
Aalai ippodhuright now,
Innarendru kndupidikka venum thappadhuyou must identify who it is without fail.
Female
Mara iruttil kilai thavari paaindhidaathu mandhiEven in the dark of trees, a monkey never misses a branch when jumping.
Manushanukum thevai andha nidhanam thaan thambhiHumans also need that level of focus and poise, my brother.
Vizhi irundhum kuzhidhanilae vizhuvaar tham polaeUnlike those who fall into a pit despite having eyes,
Vazhi thavari pogamalae nadanthu sel melewalk forward without losing your way.
Female
Karuthu nilai maarame kattai avizhthu paramaeWithout losing mental focus, unbind the cloth and see.
Karuthu nilai maarame kattai avizhthu paramaeWithout losing mental focus, unbind the cloth and see.
Female and Chorus :Kannae kannae unnai thodumFemale and Chorus: Oh dear one, the person who touches you
Aalai ippodhuright now,
Innarendru kndupidikka venum thappadhuyou must identify who it is without fail.
Female
Munnal vandhu thotta kitta irukki pudichukkoIf someone touches you from the front, hold them tightly nearby.
Pinnaal thattum perai solli kannae thirumbhikkoSay the name of the person who taps from behind and turn around, my dear.
Munnal vandhu thotta kitta irukki pudichukkoIf someone touches you from the front, hold them tightly nearby.
Pinnaal thattum perai solli kannae thirumbhikkoSay the name of the person who taps from behind and turn around, my dear.
Female
Karuthu nilai maarame kattai avizhthu paramaeWithout losing mental focus, unbind the cloth and see.
Karuthu nilai maarame kattai avizhthu paramaeWithout losing mental focus, unbind the cloth and see.
Female and Chorus :Kannae kannae unnai thodumFemale and Chorus: Oh dear one, the person who touches you
Aalai ippodhuright now,
Innarendru kndupidikka venum thappadhuyou must identify who it is without fail.
Female
Aattathilae pottiyittu kootturavai theduCompete playfully in games and seek harmony.
Arivarindhu pazhagiay pin thannurimai naaduUnderstand character and build bonds before seeking your rights.
Koottathilae cinna chinna kurai irundhaalumEven if there are small flaws in a group,
Gunathai kondu nogamale kulaviduvom naalumfocus on good qualities, avoid causing hurt, and mingle together daily.
Female
Karuthu nilai maarame kattai avizhthu paramaeWithout losing mental focus, unbind the cloth and see.
Karuthu nilai maarame kattai avizhthu paramaeWithout losing mental focus, unbind the cloth and see.
Female and Chorus :Kannae kannae unnai thodumFemale and Chorus: Oh dear one, the person who touches you
Aalai ippodhuright now,
Innarendru kndupidikka venum thappadhuyou must identify who it is without fail.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song uses the premise of a traditional blindfold game (Kannamoochi / blind man's buff) as an allegory for living life with mindfulness, focus, and social harmony. Written by Udumalai Narayanakavi, the lyrics encourage the listener to keep their composure, make clear judgments, and identify people correctly rather than acting blindly.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor / Allegory (Uvamai / Uruvam)

Kannae kannae unnai thodum

The blindfold game serves as a metaphor for navigating life's illusions, temptations, and social interactions with inner vision and awareness.

Edhugai (Second-letter rhyme)

Mara iruttil kilai thavari / Manushanukum thevai andha

The second letter harmony seen across lines such as 'Mara' and 'Manushanukum', creating rhythmic flow.

Emona / Rhyme Scheme

Munnal vandhu thotta kitta irukki pudichukko / Pinnaal thattum perai solli kannae thirumbhikko

End rhymes such as 'pudichukko' and 'thirumbhikko' create a playful, accessible lyrical structure suitable for a game-oriented song.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the famed rationalist poet Udumalai Narayanakavi, 'Thooya Ullam' (1961) features music by Pendyala Nageswara Rao. Narayanakavi was famous for embedding philosophical, moral, and social commentary into simple game-play songs in Tamil cinema.

Keep listening

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