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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Muthumani Kannanukku

From Sudarum Sooravaliyum · 1971

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Sudarum Sooravaliyum1971

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Muthumani kannanukkuFor the pearl-like gem, little Kannan
Enna nenaippuWhat thoughts are in his mind?
Muthumani kannanukkuFor the pearl-like gem, little Kannan
Enna nenaippuWhat thoughts are in his mind?
Mullai mottupol vandhadhenna sirippuWhat kind of smile is this that blossoms like a jasmine bud?
Pathu viral naadagathil enna nadippuWhat acting is displayed in this ten-finger drama?
Pattu vanna poo mugathil enna kurippuWhat hint of expression is on his silk-colored, flower-like face?
Female
Muthumani kannanukkuFor the pearl-like gem, little Kannan
Enna nenaippuWhat thoughts are in his mind?
Female
Thallaadum nilaiyilIn a tottering, unstable stance
Thaai maaman madiyilOn the lap of his maternal uncle
Thaanaaga padippadhu tamil padippuLearning Tamil lessons naturally on his own
Ammavendraadi appavendroodiDancing to mother and running to father
Anaippadhilae unakkenna thudippuWhat enthusiasm you have in embracing them!
Female
Thaayaarum thanthaiyumHis mother and father
Ondraaga irupadhaiBeing together as one
Paaraamal paarpadhil enna kalippuWhat delight he finds in glancing without appearing to look!
Thandhai pallaakku thookkaMaking his father carry him like a palanquin
Vaippadhenna kurumbuWhat playful mischief is this?
Female
Muthumani kannanukkuFor the pearl-like gem, little Kannan
Enna nenaippuWhat thoughts are in his mind?
Female
Appaavai polae valarnthu vittaanaeHe has grown up just like his father
Amma un magan ena oor uraikkumThe entire village will say, 'Mother, he is truly your son'
Ammaanin magalin ponmaanai polaeLike a golden doe, his uncle's daughter
Pennaaga valarnthu mella sirikkumWill grow into a young woman and smile gently
Female
Pon oonjal aadidumSwinging on a golden swing
Kalyaana kolathilIn grand wedding attire
Pennodu maapillai pakkam irukkumThe bridegroom will sit beside the bride
Aaaa..aaa….aa….aa….aaa….aa….aaa…Aaaa..aaa....aa....aa....aaa....aa....aaa...
Female
Kanneeril aadidum thaai thandhai kaalgalilAt the feet of his mother and father, bathed in tears of joy
Nal vaazhthu kettandha ullam vanangumThe heart will bow down, seeking their gracious blessings
Aaa..aaa….aa….aa….aaa….aa….aaa…Aaa..aaa....aa....aa....aaa....aa....aaa...
Female
Muthumani kannanukkuFor the pearl-like gem, little Kannan
Enna nenaippuWhat thoughts are in his mind?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic Tamil song expresses a mother's and family's fond admiration for a precious young child named Kannan. It describes the baby's adorable gestures, innocent smile resembling a jasmine bud, and his playful antics with his father, mother, and maternal uncle.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Mullai mottupol vandhadhenna sirippu

Compares the innocent smile of the child to the gentle opening of a jasmine bud ('Mullai mottupol').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Pathu viral naadagathil enna nadippu

Metaphorically describes the restless gestures of the child's ten tiny fingers as a full theatrical drama ('naadagam').

Second-letter Rhyme (Edhugai)

Mullai mottupol vandhadhenna sirippu / Pathu viral naadagathil enna nadippu

The second consonant sound 'tt' rhymes across consecutive lines ('Mottu', 'Nadippu', 'Kurippu').

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the renowned poet Kannadasan for the 1971 film Sudarum Sooravaliyum, the lyrics showcase classic Tamil socio-cultural traditions, such as the maternal uncle's special relationship with the child and traditional cross-cousin marriage imagery.

Keep listening

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