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Lyrics & meaning

Kannilae Anbirundhaal Male

From Anandhi · 1965

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Anandhi1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kannilae anbirunthaalIf there is love in the eyes,
Kallilae dheivam varumGod will appear even in a stone.
Kannilae anbirunthaalIf there is love in the eyes,
Kallilae deivam varumGod will appear even in a stone.
Male
Nenjilae karunai vanthaalIf compassion fills the heart,
Neerilum theanoorumHoney will ooze even from water.
Kannilae anbirunthaalIf there is love in the eyes,
Kallilae dheivam varumGod will appear even in a stone.
Male
Unnaippol kuzhanthai illaiThere is no child like you,
Unnaippol thunaiyum illaiThere is no companion like you.
Unnaippol kuzhanthai illaiThere is no child like you,
Unnaippol thunaiyum illaiThere is no companion like you.
Male
Unnaalae malarantha ullamBecause of you, my heart blossomed,
Ennaatha naalum illaiThere is no day I do not cherish this.
Ennaatha naalum illaiThere is no day I do not cherish this.
Male
Kannilae anbirunthaalIf there is love in the eyes,
Kallilae dheivam varumGod will appear even in a stone.
Male
Antha naal marainthathammaThose days have passed, my dear,
Indru naan manithanammaToday I am a complete human, my dear.
Antha naal marainthathammaThose days have passed, my dear,
Indru naan manithanammaToday I am a complete human, my dear.
Male
Sendaadum vadivazhagaiSeeing the exquisite beauty moving like a flower,
Kandaadum kalainganammaI am an artist who celebrates upon seeing it, my dear.
Kandaadum kalainganammaI am an artist who celebrates upon seeing it, my dear.
Male
Kannilae anbirunthaalIf there is love in the eyes,
Kallilae dheivam varumGod will appear even in a stone.
Male
Annaiyae un vadivamYour form is that of a mother,
Thanthaiyae un idhayamYour heart is that of a father.
Annaiyae un vadivamYour form is that of a mother,
Thanthaiyae un idhayamYour heart is that of a father.
Male
Anbe un thunai irukkaWith love and your companionship beside me,
En paadal mudivathengeWhere will my song ever end?
En paadal mudivathengeWhere will my song ever end?
Male
Kannilae anbirunthaalIf there is love in the eyes,
Kallilae dheivam varumGod will appear even in a stone.
Nenjilae karunai vanthaalIf compassion fills the heart,
Neerilum theanoorumHoney will ooze even from water.
Male
Kannilae anbirunthaalIf there is love in the eyes,
Kallilae dheivam varumGod will appear even in a stone.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song from 'Anandhi' (1965) explores the profound transformative power of love, compassion, and perception. Through poetic imagery, lyricist Kannadasan conveys that divinity and beauty lie in the eyes of the beholder; when a heart is filled with genuine affection, an ordinary stone is perceived as a living God, and plain water tastes as sweet as honey. The protagonist expresses deep gratitude toward a beloved partner/figure who embodies innocence, maternal care, and paternal strength. The presence of this love elevates the singer's soul, transforming past struggles into a meaningful human existence and inspiring endless creative expression.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second letter agreement)

Kannilae anbirunthaal / Nenjilae karunai vanthaal

The second letter 'n' matches between 'Kannilae' and 'Nenjilae', creating rhythm across couplets.

Monaai (Alliteration/Initial consonance)

Kannilae anbirunthaal Kallilae dheivam varum

Repetition of the 'Ka' sound in 'Kannilae' and 'Kallilae' at the beginning of phrases.

Anaphora (Repetitive structure)

Unnaippol kuzhanthai illai / Unnaippol thunaiyum illai

Repetition of 'Unnaippol' at the start of consecutive lines to emphasize uniqueness.

Metaphor & Hyperbole

Nenjilae karunai vanthaal Neerilum theanoorum

Describing water turning into honey when compassion is present serves as a poetic exaggeration to underline spiritual richness.

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Trivia

The opening line 'Kannilae anbirunthaal kallilae dheivam varum' is one of Kannadasan's most iconic philosophical quotes in Tamil popular culture. The film 'Anandhi' (1965) starred Gemini Ganesan and Savitri, with music composed by M. S. Viswanathan.

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