- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, B. Sasireka
- Music director
- Devendran
- Movie name
- Mannukkul Vairam
- Movie release year
- 1986
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Dec 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This folk-style song from 'Mannukkul Vairam' explores rural life, justice, and selflessness through vivid imagery. It contrasts the noble generosity of hard-working villagers—such as washermen who clothe the village while remaining poor themselves—with the unyielding nature of truth and righteousness, which stands firm even against kings and gods. The lyricist praises a big-hearted local figure whose kindness surpasses legendary philanthropists like Karna, highlighting how good deeds sustain the earth. Towards the end, the lyricist uses the metaphor of rainwater and spring water merging seamlessly in a river, expressing a situation or bond that has grown so deep and intertwined that no external force can divide or dam it. It captures both the socio-economic ironies of village labor and the emotional depth of human connections.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Irony / Situational Contrast
“Oorukku velukkuriyae / Um pozhuthu velukkalaiyae”
Highlighting the irony where a laborer brightens/washes clothes for the entire village, yet their own life remains in dark impoverishment.
Hyperbole / Allusion
“Kalikaala vallaladaa karnanukkum annanannadaa”
Exaggerating the protagonist's generosity by calling him greater than Karna, the ultimate figure of charity in the Mahabharata.
Edhukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Arasan vanthu kettaalum / Antha aandavanae kettaalum”
Tamil poetic rhyme where the second letter matches across adjacent lines ('Arasan' / 'Antha').
Metaphor
“Mazhaiththanni aaththoda... Rendu thanniyum saernthiruchchu”
Comparing two merged human emotions/fates to rainwater and natural spring water joining together uncontrollably in a river.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Mannukkul Vairam' (1986) featured music composed by Devendran with lyrics penned by the distinguished Tamil poet Pulamaipithan. The song utilizes traditional Tamil folk singing rhythms ('Naattupura Paattu') and 'Kuri Sollum Paattu' (fortune-telling song structure) to convey deeper social philosophy.
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