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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanneerale Vidhiyin

From Enakku Oru Needhi · 1990

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
K. J. Jesudass
Music director
V. Kumar
Details
Enakku Oru Needhi1990

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kanneeraalae vidhiyin kaikalWith tears, fate's hands
Ezhuthum kolamithudraw this pattern.
Kaanalil odidum kaagitha oddamA paper boat running in a mirage,
Engae povathuwhere is it destined to go?
Male
Kanneeraalae vidhiyin kaikalWith tears, fate's hands
Ezhuthum kolamithudraw this pattern.
Kaanalil odidum kaagitha oddamA paper boat running in a mirage,
Engae povathuwhere is it destined to go?
Male
Annai un azhagai paarkkumThe mother who looks at your beauty
Vizhiyai moodinaalclosed her eyes forever.
Unnai thoonga vaikkavillaiShe did not put you to sleep,
Avalthaan thoonginaalshe herself fell into eternal sleep.
Male
Oonjalai poloru koondilIn a cage swinging like a cradle,
Kiliyae thoongavoshall you sleep, my little bird?
Unaiyae ennaidum thanthaiWhile the father who constantly thinks of you,
Thaniyae yaengavoyearns all alone?
Eththanai kaalam ippadi pogumHow long will it go on like this?
Kandathai yaaro yaaroWho knows what destiny has witnessed?
Male
Kanneeraalae vidhiyin kaikalWith tears, fate's hands
Ezhuthum kolamithudraw this pattern.
Kaanalil odidum kaagitha oddamA paper boat running in a mirage,
Engae povathuwhere is it destined to go?
Male
Oomai paadum intha raagamThis melody sung by a mute person,
Ulagam ketkumaawill the world ever hear it?
Naalai engalathu vaanilIn our sky tomorrow,
Velicham thondrumaawill light ever appear?
Male
Koyilum kallarai aanaalIf even the temple turns into a grave,
Edhuthaan sannathiwhich place is left as the sanctum?
Alaiyum nenjukku konjamFor a wandering heart,
Azhuthaal nimmathcrying brings a little peace.
Yaaridam sella yaaridam sollaTo whom should I go, to whom should I tell?
Aaruthal solvaar yaaroWho is there to offer comfort?
Male
Kanneeraalae vidhiyin kaikalWith tears, fate's hands
Ezhuthum kolamithudraw this pattern.
Kaanalil odidum kaagitha oddamA paper boat running in a mirage,
Engae povathu…..where is it destined to go?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song expresses the grief and helplessness of a grieving father who is left to care for his young child after the tragic demise of the mother. He laments the cruel design of destiny, comparing their fragile lives to a paper boat navigating through an unattainable mirage, uncertain of its ultimate destination. Through intense existential questions, the lyrics capture the despair of suffering in silence and feeling unheard by the world. The father wonders if hope and light will ever return to their lives, finding solace only in tears as he copes with the loss of sanctuary and comfort.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification (Uruvagappaduthal)

Kanneeraalae vidhiyin kaikal Ezhuthum kolamithu

Fate (Vidhi) is given human attributes, described as having hands that draw patterns using tears.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kaanalil odidum kaagitha oddam

Life's uncertain and futile journey is metaphorically compared to a paper boat trying to sail across a desert mirage.

Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Aani)

Oomai paadum intha raagam Ulagam ketkumaa

A series of questions are asked to emphasize grief and despair rather than seeking a literal answer.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Oomai paadum intha raagam

Unexpressed sorrow is depicted as a music/raga sung by a mute person.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the distinguished poet and lyricist Pulamaipithan, known for his profound philosophical depth and classic Tamil diction, the song showcases his ability to translate deep personal grief into poetic imagery.

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