S. Janaki delivers a chilling confession in “En Kann Irandum,” from the album Yaarukkum Vetkamillai. Kannadasan wrote the lyrics, and G. K. Venkatesh composed the music. The song captures a woman’s meticulous self-blame.
En Kann Irandum
S. Janaki • From “Yaarukkum Vetkamillai”
En Kann Irandum Lyrics Translation (from “Yaarukkum Vetkamillai”)
S. Janaki details her tragic fate by itemizing her “sins.” She describes her eyes “sinning by seeing” and her lips “sinning by smiling.” The character then blames God for the “sin of uniting us.”
En Kannirandum Seidha Pavam ParthadhuMy two eyes sinned by seeing.
En Kani Idhazhgal Seidha Pavam SirithadhuMy sweet lips sinned by smiling.
En Idhayam Angu Seidha Pavam NinaithadhuMy heart then sinned by thinking.
Andha Iraivan Angu Seidha Pavam InaithadhuThat God then sinned by uniting us.
En Kannirandum Seidha Pavam ParthadhuMy two eyes sinned by seeing.
En Kani Idhazhgal Seidha Pavam SirithadhuMy sweet lips sinned by smiling.
En Idhayam Angu Seidha Pavam NinaithadhuMy heart then sinned by thinking.
Andha Iraivan Angu Seidha Pavam InaithadhuThat God then sinned by uniting us.
Asai Konda Siriya Ullam AzhaithadhuA small, desirous heart beckoned.
Endrum Adangi Nindra Penmai Ullam MaruthadhuBut my ever-submissive feminine heart refused.
Asai Konda Siriya Ullam AzhaithadhuA small, desirous heart beckoned.
Endrum Adangi Nindra Penmai Ullam MaruthadhuBut my ever-submissive feminine heart refused.
Uravu Kolla Malai Ondru KettadhuA garland was sought for our union.
Avan Urudhi Solla Anandhathil ThilaithadhuWhen he gave his promise, I was immersed in joy.
En Kannirandum Seidha Pavam ParthadhuMy two eyes sinned by seeing.
En Kani Idhazhgal Seidha Pavam SirithadhuMy sweet lips sinned by smiling.
En Idhayam Angu Seidha Pavam NinaithadhuMy heart then sinned by thinking.
Andha Iraivan Angu Seidha Pavam InaithadhuThat God then sinned by uniting us.
Alayathil Kaigal Seidha SammadhamIn the temple, our hands gave consent.
Avan Anbu Vaitha Modhirathin SangamamIt was the union of the ring he lovingly placed.
Alayathil Kaigal Seidha SammadhamIn the temple, our hands gave consent.
Avan Anbu Vaitha Modhirathin SangamamIt was the union of the ring he lovingly placed.
Manaivi Endru Nan Anaindha KungumamI wore the ‘kungumam,’ ‘vermilion,’ as a wife.
Manaivi Endru Nan Anaindha KungumamI wore the ‘kungumam,’ ‘vermilion,’ as a wife.
En Manam Poga Vandha Serndha MangalamThe auspicious wedding arrived, bringing the loss of my honor.
En Manam Poga Vandha Serndha MangalamThe auspicious wedding arrived, bringing the loss of my honor.
En Kann Irandum Music Video
The album’s somber tone culminates in a lament for lost honor. Her marriage, meant as auspicious, instead brought a loss of honor. This “En Kann Irandum” lyrics meaning questions fate and personal responsibility.