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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Senthamarai Kannane

From Vairamalai · 1954

Lyricist
Kanakasurabhi
Singer
M. L. Vasanthakumari
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Details
Vairamalai1954

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Sendhaamarai kannanaeOh, red lotus-eyed one!
Sendhaamarai kannanae arul ponghumOh, red lotus-eyed one, overflowing with grace!
Sendhaamarai kannanae arul ponghumOh, red lotus-eyed one, overflowing with grace!
Un sirippinil mayangum jegameThe entire world is mesmerized by your smile!
Un sirippinil mayangum jegameThe entire world is mesmerized by your smile!
Sendhaamarai kannanaeOh, red lotus-eyed one!
Female
Sindhai magizhum siru kurumbaale..yeWith your small pranks that delight the mind...
Sindhai magizhum siru kurumbaaleWith your small pranks that delight the mind,
Sindhai magizhum siru kurumbaaleWith your small pranks that delight the mind,
Jeevan ellaam unai naadumaeAll living beings seek you out.
Sendhaamarai kannanaeOh, red lotus-eyed one!
Female
Kandrudan kadhai paesi uravaaduvaaiYou talk with calves and build loving bonds,
Kadainthidum vennaiyaiThe churned butter,
Kalavaaduvaai kannaYou steal, Krishna!
Kandrudan kadhai paesi uravaaduvaaiYou talk with calves and build loving bonds,
Kadainthidum vennaiyaiThe churned butter,
KalavaaduvaaiYou steal,
Female
Punnagaiyaal maaya valai veesiyaeCasting a magical net with your smile,
Nee…punnagaiyaal maaya valai veesiyaeYou... casting a magical net with your smile,
Ilam kannigal nenjinaiThe hearts of young maidens,
Kavarndhoduvaai kannaYou steal and run away, Krishna!
Punnagaiyaal maaya valai veesiyaeCasting a magical net with your smile,
Ilam kannigal nenjinaiThe hearts of young maidens,
KavarndhoduvaaiYou steal and run away,
Ullam kavarum kallan endraeAs a heart-stealing thief,
Ullam kavarum kallan endraeAs a heart-stealing thief,
Ulagam sonnaal poiyaagumooIf the world calls you so, can it be false?
Female
Sendhaamarai kannanae arul ponghumOh, red lotus-eyed one, overflowing with grace!
Un sirippinil mayangum jegameThe entire world is mesmerized by your smile!
Sendhaamarai kannanaeOh, red lotus-eyed one!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic devotional composition from Vairamalai (1954) praises the divine charm, grace, and endearing pranks of Lord Krishna. The lyricist depicts Krishna as the lotus-eyed Lord whose transcendent smile hypnotizes the entire cosmos and whose gentle playfulness brings joy to every living creature. The verses vividly portray Krishna's sweet innocence in chatting with calves, his notorious love for stolen butter, and his captivating allure that wins over the hearts of maidens, concluding that the world's title for him as a heart-thief is entirely true.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Punnagaiyaal maaya valai veesiyae

The phrase compares Krishna's enchanting smile to a magical net ('maaya valai') cast to capture hearts.

Initial Alliteration (Monaistyle)

Sendhaamarai kannanae ... Sindhai magizhum siru kurumbaale

Repetition of the initial 'S' sound across words ('Sendhaamarai', 'Sindhai', 'Siru') creates a melodic rhythmic flow.

Consonance / Anuprasa

Kandrudan kadhai paesi uravaaduvaai / Kadainthidum vennaiyai / Kalavaaduvaai kanna

Repetition of the hard 'Ka' sound ('Kandrudan', 'Kadainthidum', 'Kalavaaduvaai', 'Kanna') reinforces the playful cadence.

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Trivia

Rendered by Carnatic music legend M. L. Vasanthakumari (MLV), this song is a celebrated example of classical ragas adapted for early Tamil cinema under the iconic Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy duo, capturing the essence of Madhura Bhakti.

Keep listening

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