- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singers
- A. M. Rajah, Jikki
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Bommai Kalyanam
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Sept 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This melancholic song captures the anguish of separation between two lovers. The speaker laments that physical distance deprives them of all happiness, turning their life into an empty place of sorrow. The beloved's memory is described as a radiant lamp that once brought light, making the current period of darkness feel like a punishment for an unknown past sin. Using the poignant metaphor of a boat caught in a fierce storm, the speaker compares their married life to a frail vessel tossed around by waves of grief, constantly longing and weeping for the day they will finally be reunited.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis (Edhirsol)
“Anbae nee angae Naan ingae vaazhndhaal”
Contrasting 'angae' (there) and 'ingae' (here) to emphasize physical separation and emotional distance.
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Il vaazhvin odam”
Comparing family life ('il vaazhvu') to a small boat ('odam') navigating troubled waters.
Ethukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Inba karai naadum / Thunba puyalaalae”
The second letters of 'Inba' and 'Thunba' rhyme with 'n', creating harmony across lines 16 and 18.
Rhetorical Question
“Inbam kaanbadhu engae”
The speaker asks 'where can we find happiness?' to highlight the impossibility of joy while separated.
Did you know?
Trivia
Bommai Kalyanam (1958) was directed by R. M. Krishnaswamy and starred Sivaji Ganesan, Jamuna, and Mynavathi. The music for the movie was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, with poignant lyrics crafted by A. Maruthakasi. This song is a classic example of a 'viraha' (separation grief) track in golden-age Tamil cinema.
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