- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singers
- P. Susheela, T. M. Soundararajan
- Music directors
- B. N. Rao, A. Rama Rao
- Movie name
- Pennin Perumai
- Movie release year
- 1956
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Aug 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from 'Pennin Perumai' (1956) is a philosophical and satirical critique of human nature and societal absurdities. The singer muses whether to weep or laugh when observing the world's folly, where even renowned sages abandon their spiritual austerity and sacred vows at a single glance from a young woman.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question
“Azhuvadha illai siripadhaa”
The refrain 'Azhuvadha illai siripadhaa' (Should I cry or laugh?) is a central rhetorical device questioning the paradoxical and foolish nature of human behavior.
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“Kaamamae puyalendrum Kaadhalae thendral endrum”
Lust is metaphorically equated to a destructive storm ('puyal') while genuine love is compared to a pleasant breeze ('thendral').
Contrast (Erhinai)
“Piragu kashaayam thiru vottai marapparoo / Pengal kangalin jaadaiyaalae”
Contrasts the wisdom and detachment of ascetics ('kashaayam', 'thiru vodu') with the overpowering pull of worldly desire caused by women's glances.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Pennin Perumai' (1956) is a classic Tamil film featuring Gemini Ganesan, Savitri, and N. T. Rama Rao, adapted from the Telugu hit 'Charana Daasi'. Lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass was renowned for infusing social irony, folk idioms, and philosophical wisdom into contemporary film songs during the Golden Era of Tamil cinema.
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