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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Penmani Ava Kanmani

From Penmani Aval Kanmani · 1988

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Movie name
Penmani Aval Kanmani
Movie release year
1988
Lyrics added on
19 May 2021

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Pennmani ava kannmani
Pennmani ava kannmani
Paththu maasam somanthirunthu
Peththiduvaa pennmani
Peththavana soththukkaaga
Viththiduvaa kannmani
Puruzhanukku thannuyira
Koduththiduvaa pennmani
Adhukku munnae
Avan ushira eduththiduvaa kannmani
Pennmani ava kannmani
Pennmani ava kannmani
Seeru senaththi serum varaikkum
Viduvaalaa pennmani
Naaththu molaichchaa paaththu thaduppaa
Valaiyaatha kannmani
Maamiyaar soraakum paaviyaa aayaachchu
Maamanaar maanasthan aaviyaa poyaachchu
Pennukkingu pennaalathaan
Sothanaigal nerumaa
Kannukkingu kannaalathaan
Kaayam vara koodumaa
Purinjaaththaan pennmani
Valanchaaththaan kannmani
Pennmani ava kannmani
Pennmani ava kannmani
Konda kanavan niththam kudichchum
Kulang kaakkum pennmani
Peththa maganum thanniyadichchaa
Kalangaathae kannmani
Naayagan konjamaa naalellaam poyaachchu
Vaaduraa poongothai vaalibam veenaachchu
Kattukkulla vachchidanum
Kanvanaththaan pennmani
Kattupattum nadanthidanum
Avathaanae kannmani
Pasiyidum vaaduvaa
Rushiyodum vaazhvaa
Pennmani ava kannmani
Pennmani ava kannmani
Paththu maasam somanthirunthu
Peththiduvaa pennmani
Peththavana soththukkaaga
Viththiduvaa kannmani
Puruzhanukku thann uyira
Koduththiduvaa pennmani
Adhukku munnae
Avan ushira eduththiduvaa kannmani
Pennmani ava kannmani
Pennmani ava kannmani….
A woman, she is a precious darling,
a woman, she is a precious darling.
Carrying a child for ten months,
a woman will give birth.
For the sake of property,
a darling will sell out her own father.
For her husband, her very life
a woman would give away.
But before that happens,
a darling will take the life out of him!
A woman, she is a precious darling,
a woman, she is a precious darling.
Until she gets every bit of dowry and gifts,
will a woman ever let it rest?
If a new sapling sprouts, she will watch and curb it,
that stubborn darling.
The mother-in-law has become a pitiful cook,
and the proud father-in-law has turned into a ghost.
In this world, should a woman
face troubles caused by another woman?
Can an eye
ever inflict a wound upon an eye?
Only if she understands is she a woman,
only if she bends is she a darling.
A woman, she is a precious darling,
a woman, she is a precious darling.
Even if her wedded husband drinks every day,
a woman protects her family name.
Even if her own son takes to drinking,
do not lose heart, darling.
Days have passed without her husband caressing her,
the flower-like woman withers as her youth is wasted.
She must keep him in check,
her husband, that woman.
And she too must conduct herself with care,
for she is that darling.
She will wither with hunger,
yet live enjoying life.
A woman, she is a precious darling,
a woman, she is a precious darling.
Carrying a child for ten months,
a woman will give birth.
For the sake of property,
a darling will sell out her own father.
For her husband, her very life
a woman would give away.
But before that happens,
a darling will take the life out of him!
A woman, she is a precious darling,
a woman, she is a precious darling...
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This song from the movie Pennmani Aval Kannmani (1988), written by lyricist Vaali, offers a satirical yet poignant commentary on the complex dualities and social dynamics surrounding women in contemporary Indian society. It juxtaposes the ideal, self-sacrificing mother and wife—who endures labor, protects family dignity against hardship, and bears immense pain—with humorous and sharp observations on domestic power struggles, property greed, and family feuds.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyming)

“Pennmani ava kannmani”

Matching second consonants across words to create rhythmic harmony.

Paradox / Irony

“Puruzhanukku thannuyira Koduththiduvaa pennmani / Adhukku munnae Avan ushira eduththiduvaa kannmani”

Contrasting extreme acts of devotion with extreme acts of conflict within adjacent lines.

Metaphor

“Pennmani ava kannmani”

Comparing a woman directly to 'kannmani' (the pupil or apple of the eye), highlighting her value and sensitivity.

Rhetorical Question

“Kannukkingu kannaalathaan Kaayam vara koodumaa”

Using questions to prompt reflection on intra-gender conflicts and societal ironies.

Did you know?

Trivia

Pennmani Aval Kannmani (1988) is a social drama film directed by famous actor-director Visu, known for highlighting middle-class domestic issues, women's empowerment, and family politics. The lyrics by Vaali perfectly embody Visu's signature cinematic blend of sharp dialogue, humor, and moral realism.

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