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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Radha Ramana Kanna

From Maya Manithan · 1958

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
G. Govindarajulu Naidu
Details
Maya Manithan1958

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Female
Aa…aaa..a.aa….Vocalizing melody...
O…..radha ramana kannaOh Krishna, beloved of Radha!
O…..radha ramana kanna kanna kanna kannaOh Krishna, beloved of Radha, Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Krishna!
Sridhara paaramugamaa..aa..aa…kannaOh Sridhara, why are you turning your face away from me, Krishna?
Female
O…..radha ramana kannaOh Krishna, beloved of Radha!
O…..radha ramana kannaOh Krishna, beloved of Radha!
Female
Paedhai vaazhvil sodhanai yenoWhy is there such a trial in this innocent woman's life?
Poojai seidhum palan idhaanoIs this the only reward for all the worship I performed?
Aadhaaram puvi meedhu aa..aa..aa…kannaWho else is my sole support on this earth, Krishna?
Unaiallaadhu verini yedhu…Other than you, what else remains for me?
Female
O…..radha ramana kannaOh Krishna, beloved of Radha!
Sridhara paaramugamaa..aa..aa…kannaOh Sridhara, why are you turning your face away from me, Krishna?
O…..radha ramana kannaOh Krishna, beloved of Radha!
O…..radha ramana kanna….Oh Krishna, beloved of Radha!
Female
Kaadhal inbam kaanal neera ..aa..aa..Is the bliss of love merely a mirage?
Kaadhal inbam kaanal neeraIs the bliss of love merely a mirage?
Paadhai maari seerakaadhaLosing its way, will it never prosper?
Paadhai maari seerakaadhaLosing its way, will it never prosper?
Manidhin aasai ellamae aa..aa..kanna…Should all human desires, Krishna...
Pagal kanavaai aagidalaaama….Turn into nothing but a daydream?
Female
O…..radha ramana kanna kanna kanna kannaOh Krishna, beloved of Radha, Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Krishna!
Sridhara paaramugamaa..aa..aa…kannaOh Sridhara, why are you turning your face away from me, Krishna?
O…..radha ramana kannaOh Krishna, beloved of Radha!
O…..radha ramana kanna….Oh Krishna, beloved of Radha!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

Keep listening

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