- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- P. Susheela, Usha Srinivasan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Dec 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant track from Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri (1985) is a deeply emotional lament addressed to Krishna, symbolizing an unfulfilled lover. The protagonist pours out her grief, questioning the fate that separated her from her beloved and forced her into another union. She expresses that her unspoken feelings and sorrowful silence are like a song sung by a mute bird, and accepts her own tragic destiny with heavy resignation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani / Uvameyam)
“Vaadum ponmayil / Mounam ennum paadal paadum / Oomai poonkuyil”
The singer compares herself to a 'Vaadum ponmayil' (wilting golden peacock) and an 'Oomai poonkuyil' (mute cuckoo bird) to convey her inability to express her agony.
Wordplay & Pun (Sleidai)
“Kannaa… naan sonna paa maalai / Naayenam tholil veroru maalai”
Vaali plays with the word 'Maalai' (garland), contrasting 'Paa maalai' (garland of verses/song) with the physical marriage garland ('Veroru maalai').
Imagery (Kaatchipizhai)
“Neeril enthan kangal neentha / Kaatril indru kaayum enthan aasai thoranam”
Poetic imagery of eyes swimming in tears ('Neeril enthan kangal neentha') and festive arches of desire drying up in the wind ('Kaatril indru kaayum enthan aasai thoranam').
Second-Letter Rhyme (Edhugai)
“Naayagiyaaga naan varum velai / Naayenam tholil veroru maalai”
Rhyming of the second consonant 'y' in 'Naayagiyaaga' and 'Naayenam'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and sung soulfully by S. Janaki with lyrics penned by Vaali, 'Kelaayo Kannaa' is a classic classical-light fusion track set primarily in Carnatic ragas (notably Shenthuruthi/Saramathi nuances) expressing deep viraha (sorrow of separation).
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