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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Maarum Kanni Manam

From Chithi · 1966

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Chithi1966

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aariraariri aarira raaroAariraariri aarira raaro (Lullaby refrain)
Aari raariraaro…Aari raariraaro… (Lullaby refrain)
Aariraariri aarira raaroAariraariri aarira raaro (Lullaby refrain)
Aari raariraaroAari raariraaro (Lullaby refrain)
Female
Maarum kanni manam maarumThe maiden's heart changes and evolves,
Kannan mugam thaedumIt seeks the face of her beloved Krishna.
Yekkam varum podhuWhen yearning and longing arise,
ThookkamenbadhaedhuWhere can sleep be found?
Thaan ninaitha kaadhalanaiWhen she comes to unite with
Sera varum podhuthe lover she dreamed of in her heart,
Thandhai adhai maruthu vittaalif her father opposes and refuses the union,
Kannurakkam yedhu kannurakkam yedhuwhere is sleep for the eyes? Where is sleep?
Female
Kaalamidhu kaalamidhuThis is the time, this is the season,
Kannurangu magalaesleep now, my daughter.
Kaalamidhai thavara vittaalIf you let this right time slip away,
Thookkamillai magalaethere will be no sleep, my daughter,
Thookkamillai magalaethere will be no sleep, my daughter.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic lullaby from the movie 'Chithi' (1966), penned by Kannadasan, uses the traditional 'Lullaby' format to convey deep philosophical observations on life, love, and growth. It addresses the emotional transition of a young woman whose heart starts longing for love as she matures. It highlights the grief that follows when love faces obstacles like paternal rejection, resulting in sleepless, anxious nights. The song serves as both a gentle lullaby and a poignant warning to sleep peacefully while young, because missing the right moments in life leads to endless sleeplessness and regret.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethukai (Second-Letter Rhyming)

Yekkam varum podhu / Thookkamenbadhaedhu

The second consonant sound matches across adjacent lines ('k' sound in Yekkam and Thookkam), creating Tamil rhythmic flow.

Mona (First-Letter Alliteration)

Maarum kanni manam maarum

The repetition of the 'M' sound at the start of words in the line creates a melodic cadence.

Metaphor / Cultural Symbolism

Kannan mugam thaedum

'Kannan' (Lord Krishna) is used metaphorically to represent the ideal lover or soulmate.

Anaphora (Repetition)

Kaalamidhu kaalamidhu / Thookkamillai magalae

The repetition of 'Kaalamidhu' and 'Thookkamillai magalae' emphasizes the urgency of time and loss of peace.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Chithi' (1966) features music composed by M. S. Viswanathan (MSV) with legendary lyrics by Kannadasan. This lullaby sequence captures Kannadasan's signature style of interweaving poignant life philosophies into simple, emotionally charged maternal songs.

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