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Lyrics & meaning

Antha Mayakkam Vendum

From Aasai Alaigal · 1963

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
L. R. Eswari, K. Jamunarani
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Aasai Alaigal1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Antha mayakkam vendumI desire that intoxication.
Pugazh thantha mayakkam vendumI desire the intoxication given by fame.
Female
Antha mayakkam vendumI desire that intoxication.
Pugazh thantha mayakkam vendumI desire the intoxication given by fame.
Female
Undaal varuvathu madhu mayakkamIntoxication from alcohol comes when consumed.
Unaranthaal varuvathu porul mayakkamIntoxication from wealth comes when realized.
Female
Kandaal varuvathu kadhal mayakkamIntoxication from love comes when seen.
Kaalamellaam varum pugazh mayakkamIntoxication from fame lasts throughout time.
Female
Namakku theriyaatha manithargal koodaEven people unknown to us
Nammaiyariya vendumShould come to know us.
Female :Entha naattilum nadakkum vizhaakkalukellaamFemale: For celebrations taking place in any country,
Nammai azhikka vendumThey should invite us.
Female
Angu rasigar thirala vendumCrowds of fans should gather there.
Female :Malar maalai kuviya vendumFemale: Flower garlands should pile up high.
Female :Angu rasigar thirala vendumFemale: Crowds of fans should gather there.
Female :Malar maalai kuviya vendumFemale: Flower garlands should pile up high.
Female
Mheem..mm…mm…Humming vocalizations.
Aa…aa…aa….aa…Vocalizing sounds.
Oo….oo…oo…..Vocalizing sounds.
Female
Antha mayakkam vendumI desire that intoxication.
Pugazh thantha mayakkam vendumI desire the intoxication given by fame.
Female
Ullam thelintha manithargal udanaeWith people of clear and pure minds,
Uravu kolla vendumWe should forge relationships immediately.
Female :Avar uravinil kidaikkum udhavigalaalaeFemale: Through the help received from their friendship,
Uyarnthu valara vendumWe should rise and prosper.
Female
Ullam thelintha manithargal udanaeWith people of clear and pure minds,
Uravu kolla vendumWe should forge relationships immediately.
Female :Avar uravinil kidaikkum udhavigalaalaeFemale: Through the help received from their friendship,
Uyarnthu valara vendumWe should rise and prosper.
Female
Nenjil unmai nandri vendumIn our hearts, true gratitude is needed.
Female :Miga sirantha panbu vendumFemale: The highest noble character is needed.
Female :Nenjil unmai nandri vendumFemale: In our hearts, true gratitude is needed.
Female :Miga sirantha panbu vendumFemale: The highest noble character is needed.
Female
Mheem..mm…mm…Humming vocalizations.
Aa…aa…aa….aa…Vocalizing sounds.
Oo….oo…oo…..Vocalizing sounds.
Both : Ooho ho hoBoth: Vocalizing sounds.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Antha Mayakkam Vendum from the movie Aasai Alaigal (1963) is a philosophical yet ambitious song penned by the iconic lyricist Kannadasan. The song contrasts temporary forms of intoxication—such as alcohol, wealth, or physical love—with the enduring and noble intoxication of true fame. The singers express a deep yearning for global recognition and respect, wishing to be invited to celebrations worldwide and adored by legions of fans.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme) & Parallelism

Undaal varuvathu madhu mayakkam / Unaranthaal varuvathu porul mayakkam / Kandaal varuvathu kadhal mayakkam / Kaalamellaam varum pugazh mayakkam

Lines 5 through 8 use parallel syntactic structure and end with the word 'mayakkam' to systematically compare different human desires with fame.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Undaal varuvathu madhu mayakkam / Unaranthaal varuvathu porul mayakkam

The second consonant ('nda' / 'na') rhymes across the beginnings of lines 5, 6, and 7 ('Undaal', 'Unaranthaal', 'Kandaal').

Visual Imagery & Metaphor

Female :Malar maalai kuviya vendum

The phrase 'Malar maalai kuviya vendum' uses vivid visual imagery of garlanding to represent total acceptance, honor, and success.

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Trivia

Written by Kannadasan for the 1963 Tamil film 'Aasai Alaigal', the song showcases Kannadasan's signature style of blending high philosophical insights about human nature with relatable everyday ambitions.

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