- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Naam Pirandha Mann
- Movie release year
- 1977
- Lyrics added on
- 16 Nov 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song from 'Naam Pirandha Mann' explores the stark socio-economic divides in society and the hypocrisy of the wealthy elite. Lyricist Kannadasan contrasts lofty human desires with grounded reality, illustrating how the privileged revel in luxury while ignoring the suffering of the working class who build the very foundation of their wealth. In the final lines, the protagonist reflects on moral accountability, pleading with God for forgiveness while recognizing the divine capacity for mercy.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Contrast / Antithesis (Ethirai)
“Aasai povathu vinnilae / Kaalgal povathu mannilae”
Contrasts the unreachable sky ('Vinnilae') representing lofty desires with the ground ('Mannilae') representing reality.
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Kattidam jolikkirathu / Asthivaaram azhugirathu”
Compares high society to a shining building and the exploited labor force to a crying foundation beneath it.
Rhyme (Ethukai)
“Uzhuuthavargal vaadugiraargal / Aruthavargal aadugiraargal”
Second-letter rhyming pattern in Tamil poetry seen in 'Uzhuuthavargal' (those who plow) and 'Aruthavargal' (those who reap).
Did you know?
Trivia
'Naam Pirandha Mann' (1977) featured iconic actors Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan together. The film's soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, and this energetic yet deeply philosophical track was rendered with expressive nuance by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.
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