- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Sippikkul Muthu
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Sept 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
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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