- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Chandrababu
- Music director
- R. Sudharsanam
- Movie name
- Annai
- Movie release year
- 1962
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Mar 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic philosophical song written by Kannadasan reflects on the paradoxes and ironies of human life. It points out that intelligence does not guarantee material success, nor does worldly success imply true wisdom. The lyricist delves into social realities, highlighting how wealth and genuine affection rarely reside together, and how society gravitates towards money rather than character.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis (Paradox)
“Buththi ulla manidhan ellaam vettri kaanbadhillai”
The lyrics rely on stark philosophical contrasts between intellect and success, wealth and heart, and love and longevity.
Emona / Ethukai (Rhyme)
“Panam irukkum manidharidam / Manam iruppadhillai”
The second consonant sound matches between adjacent lines, creating a classic Tamil poetic rhythm ('nam' in Panam and Manam).
Anaphora
“Serndhu vaazhvadhillai / Serndhu vaazhum anaivarumae”
Repetition of phrase structures at the beginning of successive clauses ('Kaadhal konda...', 'Serndhu...').
Did you know?
Trivia
Sung soulfully by P. B. Sreenivas for the 1962 film 'Annai', music composed by R. Sudarsanam, this song remains one of Kannadasan's most iconic reflective philosophical masterworks.
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