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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kanni Ponnu Nenjukulle

From Murattu Karangal · 1986

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
S. Janaki, B. Sasirekha
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Murattu Karangal1986

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
{ Kanni ponnu{ A maiden girl
Nenjukullae yedho irukkudhuThere is something inside her heart
Chorus :Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaaChorus: Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa
Female :Oru thanga sittuFemale: A golden sunbird
Konja naala thaana sirikkudhuHas been smiling on its own for a few days
Chorus :Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa} (2)Chorus: Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa}
Chorus
Naadhaswaram ketkudhuThe Nadhaswaram music is heard
Adi thanjaavur melam kotta pogudhuHey, the Thanjavur drums are about to beat
Naadhaswaram ketkudhuThe Nadhaswaram music is heard
Adi thanjaavur melam kotta pogudhuHey, the Thanjavur drums are about to beat
Female
Kanni ponnuA maiden girl
Nenjukullae yedho irukkudhuThere is something inside her heart
Chorus :Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaaChorus: Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa
Female :Oru thanga sittuFemale: A golden sunbird
Konja naala thaana sirikkudhuHas been smiling on its own for a few days
Chorus :Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaaChorus: Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa
Female
Engannan koyilukku senju varum thaaliMy brother gets the sacred wedding pendant crafted at the temple
Kalyanam aagum munnae ennangadi kaeliWhy tease her before the wedding even takes place?
Engannan koyilukku senju varum thaaliMy brother gets the sacred wedding pendant crafted at the temple
Kalyanam aagum munnae ennangadi kaeliWhy tease her before the wedding even takes place?
Female
Aaalagum munnae kooda kelvi ketpaaShe used to ask questions even before coming of age
Aalaagi potta retta thaappaAfter coming of age, she locked the doors with double latches
Chorus :Polladhava indha pullukkattu yeiChorus: She is troublesome, this bundle of straw, hey
Machaana paathu mallukattuFight playfully looking at your prospective groom
Female :Machaan vandhaa iva maaniram maarumadiFemale: When her cousin arrives, her complexion changes
Female :Podhumadi neeyum oru maalaiyida thaedhi varum podiFemale: That is enough, a date to wear the garland will come soon, go on
Female
Kanni ponnuA maiden girl
Nenjukullae yedho irukkudhuThere is something inside her heart
Chorus :Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaaChorus: Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa
Female :Oru thanga sittuFemale: A golden sunbird
Konja naala thaana sirikkudhuHas been smiling on its own for a few days
Chorus :Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaaChorus: Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa
Chorus
Naadhaswaram ketkudhuThe Nadhaswaram music is heard
Adi thanjaavur melam kotta pogudhuHey, the Thanjavur drums are about to beat
Female
Onnodu onnaa sernthu otti kollum raaniA queen who clings and becomes one with her beloved
Methaiyil edhukkamma rendu thalakaaniWhy do we need two pillows on the bed, dear mother?
Onnodu onnaa sernthu otti kollum raaniA queen who clings and becomes one with her beloved
Methaiyil edhukkamma rendu thalakaaniWhy do we need two pillows on the bed, dear mother?
Female
Ellamae solli kudu pattiammaTeach me everything, dear grandmother
Palli araiyil enna pathiyammaWhat goes on in the honeymoon bed chamber, grandmother?
Chorus :Annakili iva azhuthanthaanChorus: She is a swan bird crying out
Pombalanna iva poruthanthaanIf she is a woman, she is a perfect match
Female :Pengalukkae karpu thaai vazhi seedhnam thaanFemale: For women, chastity is a dowry inherited from mother
Female :Mangaiyarae maadhamiruFemale: Oh maidens, in two months
Maari vara kaaranamum naan thaanI am the reason why things are changing
Female
Kanni ponnuA maiden girl
Nenjukullae yedho irukkudhuThere is something inside her heart
Chorus :Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaaChorus: Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa
Female :Oru thanga sittuFemale: A golden sunbird
Konja naala thaana sirikkudhuHas been smiling on its own for a few days
Chorus :Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaaChorus: Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa
Chorus
Naadhaswaram ketkudhuThe Nadhaswaram music is heard
Adi thanjaavur melam kotta pogudhuHey, the Thanjavur drums are about to beat
Naadhaswaram ketkudhuThe Nadhaswaram music is heard
Adi thanjaavur melam kotta pogudhuHey, the Thanjavur drums are about to beat
Female
Kanni ponnuA maiden girl
Nenjukullae yedho irukkudhuThere is something inside her heart
Chorus :Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaaChorus: Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa
Female :Oru thanga sittuFemale: A golden sunbird
Konja naala thaana sirikkudhuHas been smiling on its own for a few days
Chorus :Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaaChorus: Hai yai yai yaiyai yaa yaa

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This folk-infused Tamil song from Murattu Karangal (1986) captures the playful banter and joyful atmosphere surrounding a young village maiden who has come of age and is approaching marriage. Her female friends tease her about her secret romantic thoughts, her changing complexion whenever her groom is mentioned, and her innocent curiosity regarding married life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Oru thanga sittu / Konja naala thaana sirikkudhu

Comparing the blushing young bride-to-be to a 'thanga sittu' (golden bird/sunbird) to evoke her joy, lightness, and precious nature.

Cultural Imagery & Alliteration (Monai)

Naadhaswaram ketkudhu / Adi thanjaavur melam kotta pogudhu

The line uses rich traditional imagery ('Thanjaavur melam', 'Naadhaswaram') along with alliterative rhythm to set a festive wedding tone.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Murattu Karangal' (1986) features lyrics penned by acclaimed lyricist Vairamuthu. The song highlights traditional Tamil wedding preparations, including the making of the sacred wedding thali at a temple and the energetic sound of Thanjavur ceremonial percussion.

Keep listening

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