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Lyrics & meaning

Dharmam Saranam

From Sippikkul Muthu · 1985

Lyricist
Vairamuthu
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Sippikkul Muthu1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Tharmam…mmmmRighteous charity... mmm
Saranam gachaamiI take refuge in
Thaanam …mmm..Donation... mmm...
Saranam gachaamiI take refuge in
Female
Tharmam…Righteous charity...
Saranam gachaamiI take refuge in
Thaanam ..Donation...
Saranam gachaamiI take refuge in
Male
Pogum bodhu …aaa…aa..When leaving this world... aaa... aa...
Pogum bodhu alli konduWhen leaving, to gather up and take along
Povathu yaaruWho is going?
Kallarai meiappaa…aaThe grave is the truth, oh father...
Female :Sillarai poiyappaaFemale: Small change is a lie, oh father
Male
Pasi edukkuthu paarthuLook, hunger is striking
PodungaPlease give
Sillarai venuma enna kelungaIf you want small change, ask me
Male & Female :Male & Female:
Pasi edukkuthu paarthuLook, hunger is striking
PodungaPlease give
Sillarai venuma enna kelungaIf you want small change, ask me
Male
Thavikkira bothuWhen yearning in desperation
Thanneer illaiThere is no water
Azhudhum paarthomWe even tried weeping
Kanneer illaiThere are no tears left
Male & Female :Male & Female:
{Thanneer illai{There is no water
Kanneer illai} (2)There are no tears} (2)
Male
Pasi edupathaalDue to extreme hunger
Kaadhadaikuthae…ae……ae……My ears are feeling blocked...
Female :Pasi edupathaalFemale: Due to extreme hunger
Kaadhadaikkuthae..My ears are feeling blocked..

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song sequence from Sippikkul Muthu portrays the harsh realities of poverty, hunger, and mortality through a street-chant style. Combining Buddhist-style chants ('Saranam gachaami') with visceral social commentary, the lyrics contrast formal notions of charity with the desperate physical need for basic sustenance.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis / Paradox (Muran)

Kallarai meiappaa…aa / Female :Sillarai poiyappaa

Contrasts eternal truth with temporary material currency, asserting that the grave is ultimate reality while money is illusory.

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Kallarai meiappaa / Sillarai poiyappaa

The second consonant 'lla' rhymes across consecutive lines, enhancing rhythmic oral delivery.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Thanneer illai / Kanneer illai

Matching line endings 'illai' highlight the shared absence of essential items (water and tears).

Monai (Initial Letter Alliteration)

Tharmam… / Thaanam …

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'Tha' in 'Tharmam' and 'Thaanam'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Sippikkul Muthu (1985) is the Tamil version of K. Viswanath's acclaimed Telugu drama Swathi Muthyam starring Kamal Haasan and Radhika. The iconic soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics written by Vairamuthu.

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