- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Oli Vilakku
- Movie release year
- 1968
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Sept 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Dhairiyamaaga Chol' from Oli Vilakku (1968) is a provocative critique of human vice and alcoholism. It directly addresses an intoxicated person, questioning whether they can truly call themselves human when alcohol robs them of their intelligence, honor, and moral compass. The song contrasts the natural, graceful rhythm of the ocean and plants with the shameful stumbling of a drunkard. Through vivid imagery, lyricist Vaali argues that alcoholism reduces a person lower than wild beasts. Despite man boasting about his tiger-like courage and elephant-like stature, intoxication strips away his conscience, driving him to crime, greed, and cruelty while falsely claiming his human identity.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Maanai pol maanam endraai”
Compares human virtues and attributes to wild animals (honor like a deer, walking like an elephant, valor like a tiger).
Rhetorical Question
“Nee manidhan thaanaa”
Challenges the listener's conscience by asking if they are truly human given their actions.
Contrast (Ethirruai)
“Kuditthu pazhaghaamal aada kandaai... Neeyoo madhuvaalae aattangh kandaai”
Contrasts natural elements like the ocean and flower creepers that sway naturally without alcohol against the human who sways out of intoxication.
Metaphor (Uruvagham)
“Nee thaan oru mirugam”
Directly equates an intoxicated, amoral person to a beast.
Did you know?
Trivia
Oli Vilakku (1968) was a landmark movie in Tamil cinema as it marked the 100th film of legendary actor M. G. Ramachandran (MGR). The soundtrack was composed by M. S. Viswanathan, and this philosophical song was penned by Vaali.
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