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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannukkulle Onnirukku

From Kavitha · 1962

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, K. Jamunarani
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Kavitha1962

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kannukkule onnirukkuThere is something inside the eye
Onnukulle ponnirukkuInside that one, there is a girl
Ponnukitta ennathaan irukkuWhat all does this girl possess?
Kannukkule onnirukkuThere is something inside the eye
Onnukulle ponnirukkuInside that one, there is a girl
Ponnukitta ennathaan irukkuWhat all does this girl possess?
Ohoh oh hoo aiya….Ohoh oh hoo sir...
Male
Kannukkule onnirukkuThere is something inside the eye
Onnukulle ponnirukkuInside that one, there is a girl
Ponnukitta ennathaan irukkuWhat all does this girl possess?
Kannukkule onnirukkuThere is something inside the eye
Onnukulle ponnirukkuInside that one, there is a girl
Ponnukitta ennathaan irukkuWhat all does this girl possess?
Ohoh ohhoo aiya….Ohoh ohhoo sir...
Female
Annanadai irukkuShe has a graceful swan-like walk
Aasaiyum irukkuShe has deep desire in her heart
Athai magan mele anbum irukkuShe has love for her cousin (aunt's son)
Male
Punnagai irukku poo maalai irukkuShe has a smile, she has a flower garland
Ponnum porulum irukku aiyaa….She has gold and wealth, oh sir...
Female
Kannukkule onnirukkuThere is something inside the eye
Onnukulle ponnirukkuInside that one, there is a girl
Ponnukitta ennathaan irukkuWhat all does this girl possess?
Female
Minnal vettaiyum kaatudhuIt strikes like a flash of lightning
KannaleThrough her eyes
Male :Ponnu suththudhu athaan pinnaleThe girl follows right behind her cousin
Female
Onnai thaavendru keattkumIt asks to give you one thing
MunnaleIn front of him
Male
Inthaanga ennudhu thannaleHere, take mine automatically
Male
Minnal vettaiyum kaatudhuIt strikes like a flash of lightning
KannaleThrough her eyes
Ponnu suththudhu athaan pinnaleThe girl follows right behind her cousin
Minnal vettaiyum kaatudhuIt strikes like a flash of lightning
KannaleThrough her eyes
Ponnu suththudhu athaan pinnaleThe girl follows right behind her cousin
Onnai thaavendru keattkumIt asks to give you one thing
MunnaleIn front of him
Inthaanga ennudhu thannale..ae..ae..aeHere, take mine automatically...
Female
Malaiyitta kanavanThe husband who wedded her with a garland
Vaazhkai thunaivanThe life partner
Kaalaal ittadhai kaiyaal seidhuDoing by hand whatever he commands by foot
Male
Thaalik kairum thanadhu uyirumConsidering the sacred wedding thread and her own life
Onnaaga nenachi irukku aiyaaaa….As one and the same, oh sir...
Female
Kannukkule onnirukkuThere is something inside the eye
Onnukulle ponnirukkuInside that one, there is a girl
Ponnukitta ennathaan irukkuWhat all does this girl possess?
Male
Sontham kondavan anbaiWithout seeing the affection of the partner who claimed her
KaanadhuWithout seeing it
Nenjam yeangudhu onnumThe heart longs and feels lost
ThonadhuNothing comes to mind
Female
Antha mangaiyin thuyaraiWithout relieving the sorrow of that young woman
TheeraadhuIt will not end
Vaazhvadhu needhiyum aagadhu…Living like this is not justice...
Ohohoh…..Ohohoh...
Female
Sontham kondavan anbaiWithout seeing the affection of the partner who claimed her
KaanadhuWithout seeing it
Nenjam yeangudhu onnumThe heart longs and feels lost
ThonadhuNothing comes to mind
Male
Aiyo ahah aiyo ahah aiyo aiyo aiyoAiyo ahah aiyo ahah aiyo aiyo aiyo
Female
Sontham kondavan anbaiWithout seeing the affection of the partner who claimed her
KaanadhuWithout seeing it
Nenjam yeangudhu onnumThe heart longs and feels lost
ThonadhuNothing comes to mind
Male
Antha mangaiyin thuyaraiWithout relieving the sorrow of that young woman
TheeraadhuIt will not end
Vaazhvadhu needhiyum aagadhu…Living like this is not justice...
Ae ae ae ae ae…..Ae ae ae ae ae...
Female
Ponporul ninaindhuThinking only of gold and wealth
Kanniyai manandhuMarrying a maiden
Kanklanga viduthu veenLeaving her in tears in vain
Madham pidithuBlinded by foolish pride
Male
Nandri maranthu arivaiForgetting gratitude and losing sense
IzhandhuLosing wisdom
Ooraiyum suthalaama aiyaaa….Is it right to wander around town, sir?
Female
Kannukkulle onnirukkuThere is something inside the eye
Onnukulle ponnirukkuInside that one, there is a girl

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from the 1962 movie Kavitha highlights the devotion, sorrow, and social grievances of a devoted woman. Initially describing her beauty, devotion to her cousin-husband, and willing submission to his every command, the lyrics gradually shift into a poignant critique of men who neglect their wives after marriage.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhai (Second letter rhyming / Assonance)

Kannukkule onnirukku / Onnukulle ponnirukku

The second letter 'n' (ன) rhymes in 'Kannukkule' and 'Onnukulle', creating rhythm.

Metaphor (Uvamai / Rupaak)

Annanadai irukku

Comparing a woman's graceful walk to 'Annanadai' (swan walk) and her glances to 'Minnal vettai' (lightning flash).

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Annanadai irukku / Aasaiyum irukku

Lines end with the rhyming words 'irukku' across multiple verses.

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Trivia

Kavitha (1962) was scored by K. V. Mahadevan with lyrics penned by A. Maruthakasi. The track utilizes folk-style storytelling elements to deliver social commentary within a classical Tamil cinematic format.

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