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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanni Ponna Thedi Thedi

From Sigappu Thali · 1988

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Sigappu Thali1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kanni ponna thedi thediSearching repeatedly for a young maiden,
Kaalgal engo pogumWhere are my feet wandering off to?
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagumIf one desires to reach the shore, what will happen to the mountain?
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagumIf one desires to reach the shore, what will happen to the mountain?
Male
Kanni ponna thedi thediSearching repeatedly for a young maiden,
Kaalgal engo pogumWhere are my feet wandering off to?
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagumIf one desires to reach the shore, what will happen to the mountain?
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagumIf one desires to reach the shore, what will happen to the mountain?
Male
Kadhalilae michcham enna kanneer mattumthaanaeWhat remains left in love? Is it only tears?
Kadhalilae michcham enna kanneer mattumthaanaeWhat remains left in love? Is it only tears?
Baaram konjam ullae ponaa nyaanam varum maanaeOh my dear, when a bit of sorrow sinks deep within, wisdom emerges.
Baaram konjam ullae ponaa nyaanam varum maanaeOh my dear, when a bit of sorrow sinks deep within, wisdom emerges.
Male
Kanni ponna thedi thediSearching repeatedly for a young maiden,
Kaalgal engo pogumWhere are my feet wandering off to?
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagumIf one desires to reach the shore, what will happen to the mountain?
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagum….If one desires to reach the shore, what will happen to the mountain?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This melancholic song reflects on the pain of heartbreak, unrequited pursuit, and emotional disillusionment in love. The protagonist wanders aimlessly in search of love, only to realize that romantic attachment often leaves behind nothing but sorrow and tears. Through philosophical questioning, the lyrics convey that true wisdom and inner maturity are born from enduring psychological pain and distress.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Alliteration)

Kanni ponna thedi thedi

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'K' ('Kanni', 'Kaalgal', 'Karaiyaera') in consecutive lines establishing Tamil prosodic rhythm.

Rhetorical Question

Kadhalilae michcham enna kanneer mattumthaanae

The speaker poses reflective questions about love, tears, and existential longing to emphasize sadness.

Anaphora / Repetition

Kanni ponna thedi thedi

Repetition of 'thedi thedi' emphasizes the exhaustive, continuous nature of searching.

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Trivia

The song features lyrical work by Vairamuthu from the obscure 1988 movie 'Sigappu Thali', blending philosophical reflections on love with traditional Tamil poetic meters.

Keep listening

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