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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanni Ponna Thedi Thedi

From Sigappu Thali · 1988

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singer
Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Movie name
Sigappu Thali
Movie release year
1988
Lyrics added on
21 May 2021

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kanni ponna thedi thedi
Kaalgal engo pogum
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagum
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagum
Kanni ponna thedi thedi
Kaalgal engo pogum
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagum
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagum
Kadhalilae michcham enna kanneer mattumthaanae
Kadhalilae michcham enna kanneer mattumthaanae
Baaram konjam ullae ponaa nyaanam varum maanae
Baaram konjam ullae ponaa nyaanam varum maanae
Kanni ponna thedi thedi
Kaalgal engo pogum
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagum
Karaiyaera aasaipattaa malae ennavaagum….
Searching endlessly for a young girl,
My feet wander somewhere unknown.
If I wish to reach the shore, what lies ahead?
If I wish to reach the shore, what lies ahead?
Searching endlessly for a young girl,
My feet wander somewhere unknown.
If I wish to reach the shore, what lies ahead?
If I wish to reach the shore, what lies ahead?
In love, what is left behind but tears?
In love, what is left behind but tears?
When a little grief settles within, wisdom dawns, my dear.
When a little grief settles within, wisdom dawns, my dear.
Searching endlessly for a young girl,
My feet wander somewhere unknown.
If I wish to reach the shore, what lies ahead?
If I wish to reach the shore, what lies ahead?
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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.

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