Orunaal Iravil Kann Lyrics English Translation | Panathottam | P. Susheela

P. Susheela sings “Orunaal Iravil Kann” from the album Panathottam. Kannadasan wrote the lyrics with music by Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy. The song opens by describing a sleepless night, establishing a tone of quiet anticipation for a lover’s return.

Orunaal Iravil Kann Lyrics English Translation | Panathottam | P. Susheela

Orunaal Iravil Kann

P. Susheela • From “Panathottam”

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Composer
Vishwanathan, Ramamoorthy

Panathottam’s Orunaal Iravil Kann Lyrics Translation

The woman hears people call her partner a “thirudan,” or thief, for wandering at night. She responds that love itself involves a form of stealing hearts. She asserts her own agency, stating she gave herself freely, so her lord did not steal anything.

Oru Nal Iravu Kann Urakkam PidikkavillaiOne night, sleep did not come to my eyes.
Oru Nal Iravu Kann Urakkam PidikkavillaiOne night, sleep did not come to my eyes.
Varuvan Kannan Ena Ninaithen MarakkavillaiI thought of Kannan’s return, I never forgot.
Varuvan Kannan Ena Ninaithen MarakkavillaiI thought of Kannan’s return, I never forgot.
Oru Nal Iravu Kann Urakkam PidikkavillaiOne night, sleep did not come to my eyes.
Thiru Nal Thedi Thozhiyar Koodi Sendrar ThirumbavillaiMy friends went out seeking the festival, but they haven’t returned.
Thiru Nal Thedi Thozhiyar Koodi Sendrar ThirumbavillaiMy friends went out seeking the festival, but they haven’t returned.
Thinaiyum Panaiyai ValarndheA millet seed has grown into a palm tree,
Iruvizhigal Arumbavillaiyet these two eyes haven’t bloomed with sleep.
Oru Nal Iravu Kann Urakkam PidikkavillaiOne night, sleep did not come to my eyes.
Iravil Ulavum Thirudan Avan EndrarThey said he’s a thief who wanders in the night.
Iravil Ulavum Thirudan Avan EndrarThey said he’s a thief who wanders in the night.
Thirudadhu Oru Nalum Kadhal IllaiyendrenI replied that without some thievery, there is no love at all.
Thirudadhu Oru Nalum Kadhal IllaiyendrenI replied that without some thievery, there is no love at all.
Enaye Avanpal KoduthenI was the one who gave myself to him.
En Iraivan Thirudavillai Iraivan ThirudavillaiMy lord did not steal, my lord did not steal.
Oru Nal Iravu Kann Urakkam PidikkavillaiOne night, sleep did not come to my eyes.
Varuvan Kannan Ena Ninaithen MarakkavillaiI thought of Kannan’s return, I never forgot.
Oru Nal Iravu Kann Urakkam PidikkavillaiOne night, sleep did not come to my eyes.

Orunaal Iravil Kann Music Video

The song changes from a description of waiting into a firm defense of an unconventional bond. Her vigil is not about sorrow but is an active, confident act of remembrance. The meaning of the ‘Orunaal Iravil Kann’ lyrics is found in this redefinition of social judgment as a sign of deep devotion.