- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singers
- Mano, Gangai Amaran
- Music director
- Gangai Amaran
- Movie name
- Samsarame Saranam
- Movie release year
- 1989
- Lyrics added on
- 28 Apr 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This playful and philosophical song uses magical imagery, popular magical incantations like 'Andaa kaa kasam' and 'Jee Boom Paa', and classic proverbs to deliver a message on human nature and wisdom. It references the classic Tamil proverb 'Kannaal kanbathum kaadhaal ketpathum poiyyae' (What you see with your eyes and hear with your ears is false without proper investigation), emphasizing that true truth requires critical thinking. The lyricist highlights the distinction between real wisdom ('meinyaani') and true science ('vinnyaani'). A person who hoards knowledge or acts self-servingly is no better than an ignorant fool ('annyaani'). Despite the advancement of the world, humans still cling to superstition and trickery; however, through genuine effort, sound intellect, and moral conduct, good-hearted people can achieve true success.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Proverbial Allusion (Pazhamozhi)
“Kannaal kanbathum Kaadhaal ketpathum avvalavu poiyyae…”
Incorporates the famous Tamil traditional proverb 'Kannal kanbathum kaadhaal ketpathum poiyyae, theera visarippadhey mey' which cautions against trusting sensory perception blindly.
Emona / Rhyming Wordplay (Iyaibu)
“Ulagarintha meinyaani / Avarum oru vinnyaani / Avanum oru annyaani”
Uses matching end-rhymes (meinyaani, vinnyaani, annyaani) to build contrast and rhythm between wisdom, science, and ignorance.
Onomatopoeia (Echcho-sol)
“Jee boom paa jee boom paa”
Use of magical chants and rhythmic sound syllables ('Jee boom paa', 'Thagida thagida') to create excitement and theatrical ambiance.
Did you know?
Trivia
The phrase 'Kannaal kanbathum kaadhaal ketpathum poiyyae' is one of the most famous proverbial philosophical quotes in Tamil folklore, traditionally attributed to ancient wisdom literature. The chant 'Andaa kaa kasam' is a popular cinematic magical spell phrase adapted into Tamil pop culture from North Indian street magic performance tropes.
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