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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannil Thondrum Kaatchi Yaavum

From Sugam Enge · 1954

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
Jikki, K. R. Ramasamy
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Sugam Enge1954

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kannil thondrum kaatchi yaavumEvery sight that appears before my eyes,
Kanna unadhu kaatchiyaeIs only your vision, my Krishna/beloved.
Kannil thondrum kaatchi yaavumEvery sight that appears before my eyes,
Kanna unadhu kaatchiyaeIs only your vision, my Krishna/beloved.
Female
Mannil veezhum kanneer vellamThe flood of tears falling upon the earth,
Kaadhal nenjin saatchiyaeIs the true witness of a loving heart.
Mannil veezhum kanneer vellamThe flood of tears falling upon the earth,
Kaadhal nenjin saatchiyaeIs the true witness of a loving heart.
Male
Thollai maandhar soozhum naatilIn a land surrounded by troublesome people,
Sugam engae adimai vaazhvilWhere is happiness in a life of bondage?
Thollai maandhar soozhum naatilIn a land surrounded by troublesome people,
Sugam engae adimai vaazhvilWhere is happiness in a life of bondage?
Illai enbaar illai ennumWill we ever see that day of bliss,
Inba naalai kaanbomaaWhere no one suffers in destitution?
Male
Kannil thondrum kaatchi yaavumEvery sight that appears before my eyes,
Kannae unadhu kaatchiyaeIs only your vision, my beloved.
Mannil veezhum kanneer vellamThe flood of tears falling upon the earth,
Kaadhal nenjin saatchiyaeIs the true witness of a loving heart.
Female
Uyarndha ennam malarum nenjilIn a heart where noble thoughts blossom,
Siridhum inbam illaiyaeThere is not even a slight trace of joy.
Uyarndha ennam malarum nenjilIn a heart where noble thoughts blossom,
Siridhum inbam illaiyaeThere is not even a slight trace of joy.
Female
Kayavar koottam ulavum naattilIn a land where crowds of deceitful men roam,
Kaanum yaavum thollaiyaeEverything one sees is a source of distress.
Kayavar koottam ulavum naattilIn a land where crowds of deceitful men roam,
Kaanum yaavum thollaiyaeEverything one sees is a source of distress.
Male
Manidhar vaazhvai manidhar parithuWill the era ever change where humans snatch away
Vaazhum kaalam maarumaThe very livelihoods and lives of fellow humans?
Manidhar vaazhvai manidhar parithuWill the era ever change where humans snatch away
Vaazhum kaalam maarumaThe very livelihoods and lives of fellow humans?
Iniyum naattil ezhai selvanWill this disparity between the rich and the poor
Baedham yaavum vaazhumaContinue to persist in this nation?
Male
Kannil thondrum kaatchi yaavumEvery sight that appears before my eyes,
Kannae unadhu kaatchiyaeIs only your vision, my beloved.
Kayavar koottam ulavum naattilIn a land where crowds of deceitful men roam,
Kaanum yaavum thollaiyaeEverything one sees is a source of distress.
Female
Kannil thondrum kaatchi yaavumEvery sight that appears before my eyes,
Kannae unadhu kaatchiyaeIs only your vision, my beloved.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a poignant reflection combining personal anguish, devotion, and social commentary. The protagonist views the entire world through the image of the beloved or divine, yet feels overwhelming sorrow due to societal oppression, hypocrisy, and inequality around them. Kannadasan masterfully contrasts high spiritual ideals and noble thoughts with the harsh reality of human greed, where wicked people thrive and the poor suffer in bondage. The song ends as a passionate plea for social reform, questioning when human exploitation and class distinctions will finally come to an end.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Kannil thondrum kaatchi yaavum / Mannil veezhum kanneer vellam

The second consonant 'n' (ன/ண்) matches across lines: 'Kannil' and 'Mannil', creating rhythmic harmony.

Moonaai (Initial Letter Alliteration)

Kannil thondrum kaatchi yaavum / Kanna unadhu kaatchiyae

Repetition of the 'K' sound across words in the line ('Kannil', 'kaatchi', 'Kanna', 'kaatchiyae').

Hyperbole (Uruvagaimai / Metaphorical Exaggeration)

Mannil veezhum kanneer vellam

'Kanneer vellam' (flood of tears) metaphorically exaggerates grief to emphasize deep pain and sorrow.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Sugam Enge' (1954) featured music composed by the iconic duo Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy and starred K. R. Ramasamy and Savitri. Lyricist Kannadasan used early Tamil cinema's platform to seamlessly weave socialist themes and social justice commentary into philosophical film songs.

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