- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- T. Chalapathi Rao
- Movie name
- Uthami Petra Rathinam
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Aug 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song, written by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass and composed by T. Chalapathi Rao, is a philosophical reflection on human struggle and survival. It highlights how all human endeavors—whether performing arts, seafaring, writing poetry, or flattering the wealthy—are ultimately driven by the fundamental need to satisfy the stomach ('arai jaan vayiru'). The lyrics subtly critique social inequality, pointing out the vast divide between the working poor and the rich while highlighting that basic human hunger unites everyone in struggle.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Arai jaan vayathikkae saami”
Refers to human hunger and basic survival needs as 'arai jaan' (a half-span measure), reducing complex human endeavors down to satisfying the stomach.
Edhukai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Paavalan yettilum paradhesi ootilum”
'Paavalan' and 'Paradhesi' along with 'yettilum' and 'ootilum' display second-letter harmony across the poetic line.
Monai (First-letter Alliteration)
“Aadalum paadalum alai kadal oodalum”
Repetition of the initial 'A' vowel sound in 'Aadalum' and 'alai'.
Modern Imagery / Simile
“Ellaam minsaara minnal shocku”
Compares high-society luxury and modern temptations to a sudden electric lightning shock.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Arai jaan vayiru' (the half-span belly) is a legendary Tamil idiom used across literature to represent basic sustenance. Lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass effectively uses folk rhythms and social commentary in this 1959 track sung by S. Janaki early in her illustrious playback singing career.
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