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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannondru Naadum

From Sarasa B.A. · 1965

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Bhanumathi
Music director
S. Vedhachalam
Details
Sarasa B.A.1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kannondru naadumThe eyes seek one thing,
Kaiyondru thaedumThe hands search for another,
Manam ondru ennum vaai ondru solumThe mind thinks one thing, while the mouth speaks another,
Vedikkai ulgathai ninaitheneI thought of this world as a place of mere entertainment,
Ingae vedhanai ulagathil vilundhenaeAnd fell here into a world of pain and agony.
Aadidum kalaithanai arindhenaeI mastered the art of dance,
Pugazh aayiram varumena ninaithenaeThinking that immense fame would come my way.
Vaadikkai kaarargal koodidum sabaiyilIn the assembly where regular patrons gather,
Vedikkai porulaai aanenaeI ended up becoming an object of mere amusement.
Female
Paruvathin meruginai ninaithenaeI got captivated by the glitter of youth,
Kula paavaiyar perumaiyai marandhenaeAnd forgot the dignity of virtuous women.
Oruvarin marbinil uyirulla varaiyilumThat living bound to one person's chest as long as life remains,
Ondraai vaazhndhadhai marandhenaeLiving as one is true life—which I forgot.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song reflects the deep lamentation and tragic self-realization of a woman who was lured by the allure of public performance, glamour, and fame, only to find herself reduced to an object of entertainment for patrons. She reflects on the deceptive nature of the world, where people's eyes, hands, minds, and words are never in harmony. Through her grief, she mourns losing her moral compass and traditional values. She realizes too late that the superficial sparkle of youth and public applause is hollow compared to the sacred, lasting bond of a devoted relationship with a single life partner.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

ninaithenae / vilundhenae / arindhenae / aanenae / marandhenae

The repetitive ending '-enai' / '-enae' across lines creates a rhythmic, sorrowful cadence emphasizing personal lamentation.

Antithesis / Wordplay

Vedikkai ulgathai ninaithene / Ingae vedhanai ulagathil vilundhenae

Juxtaposition of 'Vedikkai' (amusement/fun) and 'Vedhanai' (agony/pain) to highlight her tragic shift in perception.

Moonaal / Alliteration

Kannondru naadum / Kaiyondru thaedum

Repetition of the initial sound 'K' in consecutive opening phrases.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song from the 1965 film 'Sarasa B.A.' was rendered by the legendary multi-talented actress and classical singer P. Bhanumathi herself. Kannadasan's lyrics powerfully encapsulate philosophical regret, a recurring hallmark of his songwriting.

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