- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- M. L. Vasanthakumari
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Kanniyin Kathali
- Movie release year
- 1949
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Aug 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song explores the inescapable force of love and desire, illustrating how human emotions cannot be suppressed by sheer stubbornness or ascetic detachment. It asserts that a woman's mind naturally yields to love's subtle power, comparing Cupid's arrows to an unyielding force of nature. Even renowned sages, celestial beings, and gods have surrendered to the spell of Kamadeva, showing that retreat to the moon or concealment in undersea fortresses cannot prevent romance from awakening inside the human heart. The lyrics urge a young woman not to waste her youth in rigid solitude or false pride, warning that denying natural emotional longing leads only to ultimate regret and humiliation. It serves as a romantic yet philosophical call to embrace love as an integral part of life.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Kadalukkul aran katti / Udalukullae maaran”
The second consonants rhyme across consecutive lines, such as 'da' in 'Kadalukkul' and 'Udalukullae'.
Moonaai (Alliteration)
“Veenaaga pidivaatham seiyaathae summaa / Vaanaalai viruthaavil kazhikkaathae ammaa”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds within a line, such as 'V' in 'Veenaaga' and 'Vaanaalai'.
Mythological Metaphor
“Antha manmatha paanam pollaa....aa....thu”
Using 'Manmatha paanam' (Cupid's arrow) and 'Maaran' as metaphors for the uncontrollable onset of love and passion inside the body.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Kanniyin Kathali' (1949) holds historical significance as it marks the cinematic debut of Kaviarasu Kannadasan. The track 'Pen manam orr nilai nillaathu' is recognized as the very first song penned by Kannadasan for a feature film, launching his legendary career in Tamil cinema.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Kanniyin Kathali
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.