- Lyricist
- Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Rathinapuri Ilavarasi
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 21 May 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from Rathinapuri Ilavarasi (1960) uses allegorical imagery drawn from nature—peacocks, cuckoos, arrogant monkeys, harsh owls, delicate flowers, and fleeing deer—to impart philosophical and moral lessons. The narrator encourages grace, music, and love (represented by the peacock and cuckoo) while admonishing arrogance and discord (symbolized by the monkey and owl). Furthermore, the verse cautions against despair and rushing into danger blindly, urging the listener to keep faith and avoid falling victim to traps or predators.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamaani / Metaphor (Allegory)
“Aadu mayilae nee aadu mayilae”
Human traits, virtues, and vices are metaphorically addressed through animals and elements of nature such as the peacock (joy/grace), monkey (arrogance), owl (harshness/ill omen), flower (delicacy), and deer (innocence/vulnerability).
Emonai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Anbu vaazha inbam soozha / Agam adhil amaidhi perughi”
Repetition of initial consonant and vowel sounds such as 'Aadu' / 'Anandha' / 'Agam' or 'Vedan' / 'Virundhaai'.
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Vedan valaiyilum singathin vayilum / Virundhaai vizhundhu vidaathae”
Rhyming second letters across lines, such as 'Aadathae' and 'Kodum' / 'Vedan' and 'Virundhaai'.
Anaphora / Repetition (Adukku Thodar)
“Aadu mayilae nee aadu mayilae”
Emphasis through rhythmic repetition of imperative words such as 'Aadu mayilae', 'Aadathae', 'Vaadathae', and 'Oodaathae'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram was renowned for embedding deep social commentary and moral philosophy within simple, catchy song lyrics using natural imagery. Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy's melodious composition allowed P. Susheela to showcase her expressive vocal dynamics across different emotional tones.
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