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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanni Pennai

From Alli · 1964

Lyricist
M. K. Aathmanathan
Singers
P. Susheela, Chorus
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Alli1964

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Kanni pennai kai pidithuHolding the hand of a young maiden,
Kaadhalithu manam mudithuLoving her and marrying her,
Vanthirukkum mannavarae vaangaO kingly groom who has arrived, welcome!
Ummai varaverkka kaathirunthom naangaWe have been waiting to welcome you.
Chorus
Kanni pennai kai pidithuHolding the hand of a young maiden,
Kaadhalithu manam mudithuLoving her and marrying her,
Vanthirukkum mannavarae vaangaO kingly groom who has arrived, welcome!
Ummai varaverkka kaathirunthom naangaWe have been waiting to welcome you.
Female
Thaen nilavai anubavikka ingu vantheeraaHave you come here to experience the honeymoon?
Ungal sindhanaikku oivu thara ennugindreeraaAre you thinking of giving rest to your thoughts?
Thaevai endraal inbam varum therindhu kondeeraaHave you realized that happiness comes when there is a need?
Thaevai endraal inbam varum therindhu kondeeraaHave you realized that happiness comes when there is a need?
Elaam therindhavarae pakkuvamaaga nadanthu kolveeraaO knowledgeable one, will you conduct yourself with maturity?
Female
Kanni pennai kai pidithuHolding the hand of a young maiden,
Kaadhalithu manam mudithuLoving her and marrying her,
Vanthirukkum mannavarae vaangaO kingly groom who has arrived, welcome!
Ummai varaverkka kaathirunthom naangaWe have been waiting to welcome you.
Female
Neelamayil aaduvadhu ungalukaagaThe blue peacock dances for your sake,
Ungal naeril vandhu nal varavu solvadharkaagaTo appear before you and extend a warm welcome,
Maalaiyitta pudhiyavalum magizhvatharkkaagaSo that the newly garlanded bride rejoices,
Andha magizhchiyilae naanum pangu peruvadharkaagaAnd so that I too can partake in that joy.
Chorus
Kanni pennai kai pidithuHolding the hand of a young maiden,
Kaadhalithu manam mudithuLoving her and marrying her,
Vanthirukkum mannavarae vaangaO kingly groom who has arrived, welcome!
Ummai varaverkka kaathirunthom naangaWe have been waiting to welcome you.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful welcoming song celebrates the arrival of a newly wedded groom. The singer addresses the groom, asking him if he has arrived to enjoy his honeymoon and relax his mind, while encouraging him to treat his new bride with maturity and affection. The song highlights the joyful atmosphere created by the performance, which aims to delight both the groom and his new wife, bringing happiness to everyone present.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Neelamayil aaduvadhu ungalukaaga / Ungal naeril vandhu nal varavu solvadharkaaga

The repetition of the suffix 'kaaga' at the end of consecutive lines creates a rhythmic end-rhyme structure.

Metaphor

Neelamayil aaduvadhu ungalukaaga

The performer compares her welcome dance to that of a blue peacock ('neelamayil') dancing in joy.

Monai (Initial Assonance/Alliteration)

Kanni pennai kai pidithu / Kaadhalithu manam mudithu

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'K' in adjacent lines.

Did you know?

Trivia

The 1964 Tamil movie 'Alli' featured soundtrack lyrics written by M. K. Aathmanathan, a well-known Tamil poet and playwright who penned several popular songs during the Golden Era of Tamil cinema.

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