- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- T. M. Soundararajan, P. Susheela
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Aandavan Kattalai (1964)
- Movie release year
- 1964
- Lyrics added on
- 11 May 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic philosophical song written by Kannadasan uses powerful nature metaphors to convey wisdom about life's unpredictable journeys. A boat on a calm river sails smoothly, but when faced with an overwhelming flood, survival lies in steering toward the shore rather than stubbornly fighting the current. Similarly, rigid coconut trees can be uprooted by fierce storms, whereas flexible reeds bend with the wind and remain standing. The lyricist encourages the listener to cultivate a resilient, adaptable mind that yields gracefully to hardship, highlighting how love, gentle grace, and time can heal life's deepest sorrow.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Odam alavillatha / Vellam vanthaal aadum”
The 'boat' (Odam) symbolizes human life, while the 'flood' (Vellam) represents unexpected trials and hardships.
Contrast / Allegory
“Kaatradithaal / Saaivathillai kanintha / Manam veezhvathillai”
Compares the rigid coconut tree (uprooted by storms) with the flexible reed grass (bending with the breeze without breaking) to teach adaptability.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Amaithiyaana / Nathiyinilae odum”
Repetition of initial consonant/vowel sounds across lines for musical rhythm (e.g., 'Amaithiyaana' and 'Odam').
Keep listening
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