- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- Sadhana Sargam
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Naan Kadavul
- Movie release year
- 2009
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Jan 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Ammaa Un Pillai Naan from the film Naan Kadavul (2009) is a deeply moving, melancholic song sung from the perspective of a helpless, visually impaired woman who faces extreme societal cruelty. She addresses the Divine Mother, pleading for protection and questioning the hardship and sorrow written into her destiny. The song laments the tragic state of human bonds, which often bring only suffering to the vulnerable. In addition to expressing personal grief, the lyrics present a powerful social critique. Lyricist Vaali highlights the hypocrisy of a society that reveres female deities carved in stone while mistreating and marginalizing real women in daily life. Through poignant imagery of endless tears and shoreless waters, the song captures both existential despair and a desperate plea for divine mercy.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Vidhiyenum ezhuththellaam / Vizhi neeril azhiyum orr neram”
Repetition of initial consonant/vowel sounds in consecutive lines, such as 'Vidhiyenum' and 'Vizhi' creating poetic rhythm.
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Kaaval illaadha jeevan / Kanneerilae….”
Rhyming of the second letter across lines, seen in 'Kaaval' and 'Kanneerilae'.
Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagamm)
“Karai kandidaadha odam thanneerilae”
Comparing a helpless life without refuge to an aimless boat adrift in water unable to reach the shore.
Irony & Rhetorical Question
“Pengalai silaiyilae / Thozhugindra ulagamae yen sollu…”
Highlighting societal hypocrisy by asking why people worship women as idols in temples while causing pain to living women.
Did you know?
Trivia
The soundtrack for Naan Kadavul was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics written by the legendary poet Vaali. Director Bala's intense depiction of marginalized individuals earned critical acclaim, and actress Pooja Umashankar received widespread praise and awards for her soul-stirring performance in this song.
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