- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. R. Mahalingam
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Amuthavalli
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 29 Aug 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
In this classic philosophical song from Amuthavalli (1959), the protagonist reflects on the conflict between worldly affection and personal duty. Using the central metaphor that two eyes belonging to the same face can never look directly into each other, Kannadasan illustrates how strict duty and playful romance often exist side-by-side yet cannot merge effortlessly. The song blends romantic teasing with spiritual detachment, as the male protagonist playfully describes himself as a sage who has taken a vow of abstinence while acknowledging the irresistible charm of his beloved.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Kannirandum ondrai ondru kaana mudiyumaa”
Comparing the incompatibility of love and duty to two eyes that belong to the same head yet cannot look into each other.
Rhetorical Questioning (Vinaa Aani)
“Vennilaavai manidhan kaigal nerunga mudiyumaa”
Continuous use of questions ending with '-umaa' to provoke deep philosophical reflection on nature, human reach, and emotions.
Irony / Humor
“Aanaal sudha saivaa viradhang kondaan indha gyaaniyae”
Playful self-deprecation where the protagonist refers to himself as a 'wise sage' who has taken a pure vegetarian/ascetic vow when resisting romantic advances.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film Amuthavalli (1959) features music by the iconic duo Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy and vocals by actor-singer T. R. Mahalingam, known for his resonant voice and high-pitched Carnatic rendition style. Poet Kannadasan used everyday philosophy blended with light banter to turn a movie duet into a timeless reflective track.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Amuthavalli
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.