Kurai ondrum illai – All time favourite
This was one of the first songs that I learnt myself. The concept of learning carnatic songs by myself was quite alien to me. Even when suggested to learn some songs…. I used to find it ridiculous….”learning carnatic songs…without a teacher….??? Me?? …no way”
Bt eventually I started attempting it. It gavce me immense confidence. Of course I did not become a vidwan. But it made me listen to music more intently….understand nuances better….get me more interested in the song….and on the whole gave a new perspective to my music world.
Kurai ondrum illai was the first song that I ever attempted (in carnatic based songs) to learn myself. Not just learn it…but to LEARN it…:)
The difference is…there are many songs that I can sing…but most of them (especially movie songs)… I don’t get to the little details. I maybe missing notes…I may miss the tune…the raagam…but I don’t really give an attention to these details.
But this song…I learnt it trying to get all the small notes…hidden gamakams and the bhavam…and that’s when I decided….music is a complex art….the more complex…the more beautiful it gets.
Enough about my journey with the song…now to get to the song itself…
The song was made famous by M S Subbulakshmi, the famous carnatic singer. This song is mostly heard in her voice
You can see and listen to her at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHVPTJlK3Zc
Ragam: Raagamaalika
Composer: Rajaji
raagam: raagamaalika (song is sung in various raagams)
thalam: usually aadi
Composer: Raajaaji
Language: Tamil
Pallavi
Raagam: shiva ranjani
Aa: S R2 G2 P D2 S
Av: S D2 P G2 R2 S
Parent raagam: kharaharapriya (22nd melakartha)
kuRai onRum illai maRaiMoorththi kaNNaa
kuRai onRum illai kaNNaa
kuRai onRum illai GOvinthaa
Anupallavi
Raagam: shiva ranjani
kaNNukku Theriyaamal niRkinRaay kaNNaa
kaNNukku Theriyaamal ninRaalum enakku
kuRai onRum illai maRaiMoorththi kaNNaa
CaraNam 1
Raagam: shiva ranjani
VEndiyathai thanNthida VEnkaTEsan enRirukka
VEndiyathu VERillai maRaiMoorththi kaNNaa
maNivaNNaa malaiappaa GOvinthaa GOvinthaa
CaraNam 2
Raagam: kaapi
Aa: S R2 M1 P N3 S
Av: S N2 D2 N2 P M1 G2 R2 S
Parent raagam: kharaharapriya (22nd melakartha)
thiraiyin pin niRkinRaay kaNNaa – unnai
maRai Othum NYaaniyar mattuME kaaNpaar
enRaalum kuRai onRum enakkillai kaNNaa
CaraNam 3
Raagam: kaapi
kunRin MEl kallaaki niRkinRa varathaa
kuRai onRum illai maRaiMoorththi kaNNaa
maNivaNNaa malaiappaa GOvinthaa GOvinthaa
CaraNam 4
Raagam: sindu bhairavi
Aa: S R2 G2 M1 G2 P D1 N2 S
Av: N2 D1 P M1 G2 R1 S N2 S
Parent raagam: naaTakapriya(10th melakartha)
kalinNaaLukkiranNgi kallilE iRangi
nilaiyaaga KOvilil niRkinRaay KEsavaa
CaraNam 5
Raagam: sindu bhairavi
yaathum maRukkaatha malaiyappaa – un maarbil
Ethum thara niRkum karuNai kadal annai
enRum irunthida Ethu kuRai enakku
onRum kuRai illai maRaiMoorththi kaNNaa
maNivaNNaa malaiappaa GOvinthaa GOvinthaa
Meaning: ( I have tried my best to give a good translation all by myself…please excuse the quality of words)
I have no grievances at all absolutely, oh Kanna,the embodiment of the
You stand hidden from me; though I cannot see you, I still do not quote any grievances
When I have you in the form of Lord Venkateshwara to give me everything that I wish for, there is nothing else that I could ask for.
You are working behind scenes like being behind the curtain on stage. You are visible only to the people who chant the Vedas, the scholars and great men. Even so, I don’t have any grievances about it.
You have come down to this day of the Kali yuga getting into the stone form, standing sturdy in the temples.
Oh Lord, the one who does not deny anything, what grievance can I have when you, the ocean of mercy, are present in my heart
I have no grievances whatsoever……oh Govinda
