- Lyricist
- Aadhikottai Ramu
- Singer
- Yesudas
- Music director
- Shyam
- Movie name
- Kallukkul Therai
- Movie release year
- 1981
- Lyrics added on
- 6 Dec 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a tender romantic expression by a protagonist who has fallen deeply in love with a woman outside of traditional Tamil kinship structures. In Tamil culture, cross-cousins ('Aththai magal' or 'Ammaan magal') are traditionally considered natural prospective spouses. Here, the singer acknowledges that though they share no formal family connection or custom-mandated bond, his heart yearns intensely for her presence and union. He expresses deep admiration for her beauty, comparing her neck to a conch, her waist to a delicate vine, and her eyes to deer and fish. The lyrics question whether such a fortunate match could happen effortlessly in this life given by God. Acknowledging the difficulty of his desire coming true, he pledges his devotion by praying to the Almighty that if they cannot be united in this lifetime, they may at least be brought together in the next birth.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upamai / Uvamai (Metaphor / Simile)
“Kunguma udhattazhagum / Kodi pondra udalasaivum / Sangu kazhuththazhagum”
Compares the woman's neck to a beautiful conch shell ('Sangu kazhuthu') and her body movement to a creeping vine ('Kodi pondra udalasaivu').
Edugai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Sonthamillai nee enakku / Panthamillai naan unakku”
The second consonant sound 'n' aligns in 'Sonthamillai' and 'Panthamillai', adding rhythmic symmetry to the verse.
Rhetorical Question (Vinawurimai)
“Karaiyaeri meen varumo / Kai thaedi paal varumo”
Uses impossible natural occurrences (a fish stepping onto dry land, milk seeking out a hand) as rhetorical devices to question whether his love will easily come to fruition.
Monai (First-letter Alliteration)
“Aanaalum un meedhu / Aasai kondu yaengugiraen”
Alliteration on the letter 'A' across consecutive lines ('Aanaalum' and 'Aasai').
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by lyricist Aadhikottai Ramu, 'Aththai magalum illai' highlights traditional Tamil marriage culture concepts ('Aththai magal' / 'Ammaan magal') while contrasting it with modern romantic love based purely on personal devotion rather than familial arrangement.
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