- Lyricist
- Idhaya Chandran
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- R. D. Burman
- Movie name
- Chutti Poonai
- Movie release year
- 1988
- Lyrics added on
- 9 Apr 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song uses the imagery of a flowing river to contemplate the swift passage of time, human existence, and divine fate. The river moves gracefully like a celestial maiden, guided by time towards its destination. Life's rhythm, much like the ocean waves, follows an orderly path despite moving through unpredictable courses. Time is depicted as an eternal companion walking hand in hand with human life. The song ultimately conveys a message of acceptance and joy. It highlights that birth and death are fundamental cycles that sustain the world's existence. Rather than fearing destiny, the lyricist urges the listener to embrace life as a divine musical journey filled with happiness and natural harmony.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamai)
“Deva magal pola pogum nadhiyanathu”
Compares the movement of the river to a divine maiden (Deva magal pola).
Simile (Uvamai)
“Andhi megangal pol kaalam viraikindrathu”
Compares the swift passing of time to dusk/evening clouds (Andhi megangal pol).
Personification
“Kaalam vaazhvodu kai korthu nadakkindrathu”
Attributes human actions to abstract concepts by depicting Time as holding hands and walking with Life.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Nadhiyin thaerottamae jeeva sangeethamae”
Equates the river's movement and happiness directly to the music of life (jeeva sangeetham).
Repetition (Adukkuthodar)
“Inbamae inbamae vaazhvellaam inbamae”
Repeats the word 'Inbamae' for poetic emphasis and musical cadence.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Chutti Poonai' (1988) features a rare soundtrack composed by legendary Hindi film composer R. D. Burman for Tamil cinema. The song stands out for S. Janaki's evocative rendition set against Burman's signature melodic orchestration.
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