- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Neeya Naana – 1962 Film
- Movie release year
- 1962
- Lyrics added on
- 28 Jul 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply philosophical and motivational track advising individuals to perform their moral duties without getting distracted by praise or slander. It encourages resilience against hardship, comparing life's obstacles to storms and rain, and reminding listeners to remain grounded regardless of what others say. Furthermore, the lyrics highlight the psychological dynamics of courage and fear, pointing out that cowardice empowers oppressors while courage renders even the fiercest foes powerless. The song concludes with a balanced view on success and failure, urging one neither to be blinded by triumph nor disheartened by defeat, as both are temporary cycles in life.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis / Paradox
“Eliyum puliyaagum”
The contrast between 'Eliyum puliyaagum' (a mouse becomes a tiger) and 'Puliyum eliyaagum' (a tiger becomes a mouse) vividly illustrates how fear empowers weakness while courage humbles power.
Metaphor
“Puyal kaattrukkum mazhaikum kalangadhae”
'Puyal kaattrukkum mazhaikum' (stormy winds and rain) serves as a metaphor for external hardships, crises, and severe life troubles.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Pottrum manidhargal pottrattumae”
The lines end with identical rhythmic endings such as 'pottrattumae' and 'thootrattumae', enhancing the musicality and didactic tone.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by the legendary lyricist Kannadasan and rendered in the commanding vocals of T. M. Soundararajan with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan, this song remains an iconic Tamil philosophical anthem on duty, fearlessness, and emotional resilience.
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