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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thaneer Ennum Kannadi

From Mugarasi · 1966

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Mugarasi1966

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thanneer ennum kannadiThe mirror called water
Thazhuvudhu munnadiEmbraces me from the front
Pennin udalum paedhai manamumA woman's body and her innocent heart
Thulludhu sugathil thalladiLeap and stumble in blissful pleasure
Thalladi thalladiStumbling, stumbling
Female
Thanneer ennum kannadiThe mirror called water
Thazhuvudhu munnadiEmbraces me from the front
Pennin udalum paedhai manamumA woman's body and her innocent heart
Thulludhu sugathil thalladiLeap and stumble in blissful pleasure
Thalladi thalladiStumbling, stumbling
Thanneer ennum kannadiThe mirror called water
Thazhuvudhu munnadiEmbraces me from the front
Female
Muzhangal thazhuvum kuzhaloduWith tresses of hair reaching down to the knees
Moodiya kuvalai vizhiyoduWith lotus-bud eyes softly closed
Inikkum sevvaai idhazhoduWith sweet red lips
Yenindha meenukku vilaiyattuWhy does this fish engage in such playful antics?
Yenindha meenukku vilaiyattuWhy does this fish engage in such playful antics?
Female
Thanneer ennum kannadiThe mirror called water
Thazhuvudhu munnadiEmbraces me from the front
Female
Kulirndha kaatru nadikkudhammaThe cool breeze is putting on a dramatic show
Koovum kuyilum thudikudhammaThe cooing cuckoo bird is trembling with yearning
Kulirndha kaatru nadikkudhammaThe cool breeze is putting on a dramatic show
Koovum kuyilum thudikudhammaThe cooing cuckoo bird is trembling with yearning
Mayilukku porvai vendumendruAsking for a cozy blanket for the peacock
Manadhum udalum ketkkudhammaBoth the heart and the body are pleading
Ketkudhamma ketkkudhammaThey are asking, they are asking
Female
Thanneer ennum kannadiThe mirror called water
Thazhuvudhu munnadiEmbraces me from the front
Pennin udalum paedhai manamumA woman's body and her innocent heart
Thulludhu sugathil thalladiLeap and stumble in blissful pleasure
Thalladi thalladiStumbling, stumbling
Thanneer ennum kannadiThe mirror called water
Thazhuvudhu munnadiEmbraces me from the front

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song expresses the sensuous joy and romantic awakening of a woman indulging in a refreshing bath outdoors. Water acts as a mirror that gently embraces her form, while the surrounding elements of nature—the cool breeze, the singing cuckoo, and the water creatures—seem to participate in her euphoric state. Her physical body and innocent mind feel intoxicated with joy, yearning for warmth and affection.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Rupakam / Uvamai)

Thanneer ennum kannadi

Water is directly compared to a reflecting mirror ('Thanneer ennum kannadi') that lovingly envelopes the subject.

Alliteration (Moonaai)

Kulirndha kaatru nadikkudhamma / Koovum kuyilum thudikudhamma

Repetition of initial consonants like 'P' ('Pennin' / 'Paedhai') and 'K' ('Kulirndha' / 'Koovum') creates rhythmic harmony.

Personification

Kulirndha kaatru nadikkudhamma

Natural elements like the wind acting ('nadikkudhamma') and the cuckoo bird trembling with feeling are given human traits.

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1966 Tamil movie 'Mugarasi' starring M. G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa, this track highlights K. V. Mahadevan's signature classical melody style, brought to life through P. Susheela's expressive vocals and Kannadasan's evocative lyrics.

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