- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Nyayam Ketkirom
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Jan 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from 'Nyayam Ketkirom' (1973) serves as a poignant commentary on social inequality and human survival. Lyricist Kannadasan outlines the simple, fundamental needs of every human being—food for a hungry stomach, a basic mat to sleep on, and love for emotional well-being—emphasizing that true happiness lies in achieving peace of mind. The song sharply critiques the economic imbalance in society where wealth accumulates on one side while poverty and hunger grow on the other. It questions the hypocrisy of preaching morality and righteousness without addressing systemic social equality, calling for a world built on egalitarian values.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhukai (Second letter rhyme)
“Appadiyum vaazhalaam / Ippadiyum vaazhalaam / Eppadiyum vaazhalaam bhoomiyilae”
The second consonant sound 'ppa' (pp) rhymes across the opening lines: Appadiyum, Ippadiyum, Eppadiyum.
Anaphora
“Appadiyum vaazhalaam / Ippadiyum vaazhalaam”
The repetitive structure of starting words with similar patterns and ending with 'vaazhalaam' creates a rhythmic emphasis on human life choices.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Pasikkira vayaththukku soru venum / Pottu paduththu thoongida paai venum”
Lines end with the matching suffix '-venum', stressing basic human necessities.
Antithesis
“Selvaththai oru pakkam kuviyavittu / Pasi thevaiyai or pakkam valara vittu”
Direct contrast drawn between extreme wealth on one side and growing hunger/deprivation on the other.
Did you know?
Trivia
Lyricist Kannadasan was famous for weaving socialist philosophies and sharp social commentary into simple, accessible language that resonated with everyday listeners.
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