- Lyricist
- Mu. Metha
- Singer
- Sunandha
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Sakthivel
- Movie release year
- 1994
- Lyrics added on
- 13 Dec 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Chinna Chinna Rathinamae is a poignant and philosophical lullaby from the Tamil film Sakthivel (1994). Penned by poet Mu. Metha, the song expresses a deep emotional warmth toward a young child while lamenting the bitter ironies and cruelties of life. It questions the unfairness of fate when even righteousness seems to sleep and God Himself inflicts pain, yet ultimately offers courage, reminding the child that inner light, patience, and time will guide them through adversity.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Chinna chinna rathinamae / Sembavala chithirmae”
The child is tenderly addressed as a precious gem (rathinam), red coral (sembavala chithirame), and dawn (vaigarai), beautifying the bond and value of the child.
Personification
“Dharama thaai thoonguvadhaal / Thandanai ezhaikkadaa”
Righteousness (Dharmam) is personified as a sleeping mother (Dharama thaai) to explain the prevailing injustice.
Rhetorical Question
“Dheivam ingu kodumai seidhaal / Yaaridathil poyi azhuvom”
A haunting philosophical question asked to highlight utter helplessness when destiny itself turns cruel.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kaiyil ulla oli vilakku / Kaal nadakka podhumae”
Repetition of initial phonetic sounds across lines like 'Kaiyil' and 'Kaal', or 'Kalakkam' and 'Kaalam', enhancing the rhythmic cadence of the lullaby.
Did you know?
Trivia
Sakthivel (1994) features music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The lyrics were written by the acclaimed modern Tamil poet and Sahitya Akademi awardee Mu. Metha, known for infusing deep social commentary and imagery into lyrical poetry.
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