- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- G. Govindarajulu Naidu
- Movie name
- Maya Manithan
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 13 Jan 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from Maya Manithan (1958) is an emotional plea to Lord Krishna by a woman facing severe distress and disillusionment. She questions why her sincere worship and devotion have resulted in severe trials, leaving her feeling helpless and isolated. Pondering the transience of human happiness, she compares love to a mirage and human aspirations to unrealized daydreams. Ultimately, she surrenders completely to Lord Krishna as her only true sanctuary and support on Earth.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagathanam)
“Kaadhal inbam kaanal neera”
Compares the joy of romantic love to a mirage ('kaanal neer'), highlighting its deceptive and elusive nature.
Second-Letter Rhyme (Edhukai)
“Paedhai vaazhvil sodhanai yeno / Poojai seidhum palan idhaano”
The second consonant sound matches between the lines ('dhai' in Paedhai and 'jai' in Poojai / 'dha' in Aadhaaram), establishing classic Tamil prosodic harmony.
Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Aani)
“Pagal kanavaai aagidalaaama….”
The speaker asks Krishna why he remains indifferent ('paaramugamaa') and whether human desires are meant to end as daydreams ('pagal kanavaai aagidalaama'), expressing grief rather than seeking literal answers.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by G. Govindarajulu Naidu with lyrics by the legendary A. Maruthakasi, 'O Radha Ramana Kanna' is an early showcase of S. Janaki's exceptional capability in rendering classical Tamil devotional melodies filled with deep emotive pathos.
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