- Lyricist
- Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
- Singer
- C. S. Jayaraman
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Paasavalai
- Movie release year
- 1956
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Apr 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Anbinaalae undaagum' from the film Paasavalai (1956) reflects on the double-edged nature of love, affection, and family ties. It opens by praising love as the source of pure happiness that illuminates life like an eternal lamp, comparing divine human relationships to a divine tapestry woven by God. It appreciates artistic grace, love's maturity, and the joy of shared lives. However, the mood turns philosophical and tragic in the final stanza, questioning what value life retains when loved ones—sweet-talking children, a devoted wife, or a younger brother—are lost to fate. When love's bond (Paasavalai) brings tragic separation, the song questions where true bliss actually lies, leaving the listener with a deep contemplation on grief and attachment.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamaani / Metaphor
“Arutjothiyaana iraivan seidha Pinnal velai”
Human relationships and affection are metaphorically portrayed as 'Pinnal velai' (intricate woven tapestry) created by God and 'Deepam' (an unextinguishable lamp).
Ezhukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Ulam irandum naadi / Urave kondaadi”
Tamil poetic rhyme where second letters match in consecutive lines, such as 'Anbinaalae' and 'Inba' or 'Ulam' and 'Urave'.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Pirindha podhu / Izhantha podhu / Nerntha pothu”
Repeating word endings across lines ('podhu' ending each line in the tragic stanza) to emphasize grief and loss.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Paasavalai' (1956) was directed by A. S. A. Sami and featured music composed by M. S. Viswanathan and T. K. Ramamoorthy (Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy). The lyrics were written by legendary poet Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram, who used profound philosophical simplicity to express deep emotional distress.
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