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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kannukkum Kannukkum Modhal

From Ninaikka Therindha Maname · 1987

Lyricist
Kamakodi
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Ninaikka Therindha Maname1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Smile pls….Smile please...
Male
Kannukkum kannukkum modhalA clash between eyes and eyes,
Nenjathai nee thandhaal kaadhalIf you give your heart, that is love.
Kannukkum kannukkum modhalA clash between eyes and eyes,
Nenjathai nee thandhaal kaadhalIf you give your heart, that is love.
Ennenna inbam vaazhga vaazhgavaeWhat boundless joy, long live, long live!
Maalai thendralae maalai kondu vaaO evening breeze, bring the garland!
Velai vandhadhae vaazhthu paada vaaThe time has come, come to sing blessings!
Male
Kannukkum kannukkum modhalA clash between eyes and eyes,
Nenjathai nee thandhaal kaadhalIf you give your heart, that is love.
Male
Ninaikka therindha manamThe mind that knows how to remember,
Marakka therivadhillai kavinjanin kavidhaiDoes not know how to forget, like a poet's poem.
Uyirin uravu idhu unarum tharunam idhuThis is the soul's relationship, this is the moment to realize it,
Nadathattum vayadhaiLet youth lead the way.
Ninaikka therindha manamThe mind that knows how to remember,
Marakka therivadhillai kavinjanin kavidhaiDoes not know how to forget, like a poet's poem.
Uyirin uravu idhu unarum tharunam idhuThis is the soul's relationship, this is the moment to realize it,
Nadathattum vayadhaiLet youth lead the way.
Male
Maanikka theevae maalai poovaeO ruby island, O evening flower,
Kaana kan kodi vendum thaayaeOne needs ten million eyes to behold you, O beloved!
Aanip pon dhegam aanandha megamA body of pure gold, a cloud of bliss,
Maalai thendralae maalai kondu vaaO evening breeze, bring the garland!
Velai vandhadhae vaazhthu paada vaaThe time has come, come to sing blessings!
Male
Kannukkum kannukkum modhalA clash between eyes and eyes,
Nenjathai nee thandhaal kaadhalIf you give your heart, that is love.
Male
{Puruva kodi pidithuRaising the banner of eyebrows,
Paruva padai eduthuMarshaling the army of youth,
Jeyithidum inamaeO group that emerges victorious!
Abaya kural koduthuCalling out for distress refuge,
Azhaghu karam pidithuHolding the beautiful hand,
Adaikkalam manamae} (2)The mind finds sanctuary!} (2)
Male
Thottraalum thaenaeEven if defeated, O sweet honey,
Naan thaan raajaaI am the king!
Yetru kondaal thaan vaazhven rojaaOnly if you accept me will I truly live, O rose!
Nerukku naeraai nenjathai paaraaiLook directly into my heart,
Maalai thendralae maalai kondu vaaO evening breeze, bring the garland!
Velai vandhadhae vaazhthu paada vaaThe time has come, come to sing blessings!
Male
Kannukkum kannukkum modhalA clash between eyes and eyes,
Nenjathai nee thandhaal kaadhalIf you give your heart, that is love.
Ennenna inbam vaazhga vaazhgavaeWhat boundless joy, long live, long live!
Maalai thendralae maalai kondu vaaO evening breeze, bring the garland!
Velai vandhadhae vaazhthu paada vaaThe time has come, come to sing blessings!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This romantic song captures the ecstasy, playful surrender, and deep emotional bond between two lovers. It opens with the iconic visual of eye contact sparking romance, describing how love truly blossoms when hearts are exchanged. The song poetically compares romantic attachment to a poet's creation—a mind that learns to cherish love can never forget it. The lyrics further use imagery of battle, banners, and royalty to depict how love conquers the heart, portraying emotional vulnerability as a victorious surrender where finding refuge in one's beloved is the ultimate triumph.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moonaal / Alliteration (Tamil Poetic Device)

Puruva kodi pidithu / Paruva padai eduthu

Matching initial sounds ('Puruva' and 'Paruva') across consecutive lines to create rhythmic flow.

Iyaibu / End Rhyme (Tamil Poetic Device)

Maanikka theevae maalai poovae

Rhyming endings ('theevae' and 'poovae') at the end of poetic feet.

Metaphor

Aanip pon dhegam aanandha megam

Describing the beloved's physical form as pure gold ('Aanip pon dhegam') and an embodiment of joy ('aanandha megam').

Did you know?

Trivia

The opening phrase 'Ninaikka Therindha Maname' pays homage to the legendary classic song of the same title written by Kannadasan for the 1960 movie 'Anandha Jothi'. Lyricist Kamakodi repurposed the phrase as a thematic anchor for this 1987 track.

Keep listening

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