- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- M. L. Vasanthakumari
- Music director
- C. N. Pandurangan
- Movie name
- Gumastha
- Movie release year
- 1953
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Jul 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song is an energetic, philosophical call to seize the day (carpe diem) and celebrate youth and romance. It emphasizes that life is a unique, one-time opportunity that should not be wasted on past regrets or uncertain future promises. Using nature imagery like blooming roses and flying wind, the lyrics convey how fleeting time and youth truly are. Musically and lyrically, it presents a message of mindfulness and joy, urging the listener to embrace love and happiness in the present moment before time alters its favor and life fades away like a dream.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Kaattraai parakkum kaalam / Karaiyum ilamai paruvam”
Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound in consecutive lines creates rhythm.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Inbamthannai Tharuvathu kaalam / Thunba thodara seivathu kaalam”
Contrasts the dual nature of time as the giver of both joy (Inbam) and sorrow (Thunbam).
Simile / Metaphor
“Kanavaai vaazhkkai thaeyum munnae”
Compares the ephemeral nature of life to a fading dream.
Did you know?
Trivia
Released in 1953, this song from 'Gumastha' was notable for incorporating Western dance rhythms and English loanwords like 'Dance', 'Baby', 'Chance', and 'Romance' into Tamil film music, sung masterfully by Carnatic music legend M. L. Vasanthakumari.
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