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Lyrics & meaning

Edhukkum Rendu Thaevai

From Kannin Manigal · 1956

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
Kasthoori, Saroja, Sundaramma
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Kannin Manigal1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Edhukkum rendu thevaiTwo are needed for everything
Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevaiIn this world, two are needed for everything
Edhukkum rendu thevaiTwo are needed for everything
Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevaiIn this world, two are needed for everything
Female
Yaerai pootti oottanuminnaaIf you want to hitch a plow and till the land
Eruthu rendu thevaiTwo oxen are needed
Engum suththi thiriyanuminnaaIf you want to roam around everywhere
Kaalgal rendu thevaiTwo legs are needed
Female
Yaerai pootti oottanuminnaaIf you want to hitch a plow and till the land
Eruthu rendu thevaiTwo oxen are needed
Engum suththi thiriyanuminnaaIf you want to roam around everywhere
Kaalgal rendu thevaiTwo legs are needed
Chorus
Edhukkum rendu thevaiTwo are needed for everything
Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevaiIn this world, two are needed for everything
Edhukkum rendu thevaiTwo are needed for everything
Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevaiIn this world, two are needed for everything
Female
Ooraar pugazha vaazhanuminnaaIf you want to live praised by townspeople
Uzhaippum moolaiyum thevaiHard work and brains are needed
Uththiyogam paarkkanuminnaaIf you want to get a job
Padippum pattamum thevaiEducation and a degree are needed
Female
Ooraar pugazha vaazhanuminnaaIf you want to live praised by townspeople
Uzhaippum moolaiyum thevaiHard work and brains are needed
Uththiyogam paarkkanuminnaaIf you want to get a job
Padippum pattamum thevaiEducation and a degree are needed
Chorus
Edhukkum rendu thevaiTwo are needed for everything
Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevaiIn this world, two are needed for everything
Edhukkum rendu thevaiTwo are needed for everything
Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevaiIn this world, two are needed for everything
Female
Paari vallalaai vilanganuminnaaIf you want to be known as a generous patron like King Paari
Panamum gunamumthevaiMoney and good character are needed
Paarppavar kannai parikkanuminnaaIf you want to dazzle the eyes of onlookers
Kulukkum minukkum thevaiCharm and glamour are needed
Female
Paari vallalaai vilanganuminnaaIf you want to be known as a generous patron like King Paari
Panamum gunamumthevaiMoney and good character are needed
Paarppavar kannai parikkanuminnaaIf you want to dazzle the eyes of onlookers
Kulukkum minukkum thevaiCharm and glamour are needed
Chorus
Edhukkum rendu thevaiTwo are needed for everything
Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevaiIn this world, two are needed for everything
Edhukkum rendu thevaiTwo are needed for everything
Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevaiIn this world, two are needed for everything
Female
Aandavan padaippu valaranuminnaaIf God's creation is to flourish
Annaiyum thanthaiyum thevaiA mother and a father are needed
Azhagu ulagai paarkkanuminnaaIf you want to behold this beautiful world
Kannin manigal thevaiThe pupils of your eyes are needed
Female
Aandavan padaippu valaranuminnaaIf God's creation is to flourish
Annaiyum thanthaiyum thevaiA mother and a father are needed
Azhagu ulagai paarkkanuminnaaIf you want to behold this beautiful world
Kannin manigal thevaiThe pupils of your eyes are needed
Chorus
Edhukkum rendu thevaiTwo are needed for everything
Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevaiIn this world, two are needed for everything
Edhukkum rendu thevaiTwo are needed for everything
Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevaiIn this world, two are needed for everything

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a lively folk-philosophical composition written by A. Maruthakasi that emphasizes the importance of duality, balance, and pairs in human existence. It asserts that almost everything essential in life requires two complementary elements to function properly. Through relatable everyday examples, the lyrics show that plowing requires two oxen, walking requires two legs, earning respect takes both hard work and intellect, securing employment requires both education and a degree, philanthropy needs both wealth and a good heart, and human existence itself relies on both a mother and a father. Ultimately, to experience all the beauty of the world, one needs both pupils in their eyes.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Edhukkum rendu thevai

The word 'thevai' (needed) is systematically repeated at the end of every line, creating a persistent end-rhyme structure throughout the song.

Anaphora / Chorus Repetition

Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevai

The refrain line 'Edhukkum rendu thevai / Ulagil edhukkum rendu thevai' is repeated after every stanza to re-anchor the central theme of duality.

Allusion (Ilakkiya Kurippu)

Paari vallalaai vilanganuminnaa

References King Paari (Paari Vallal), a famous Sangam-era philanthropist celebrated in classical Tamil literature for his extraordinary generosity.

Umaiyani (Simile/Analogy)

Azhagu ulagai paarkkanuminnaa / Kannin manigal thevai

Uses practical dualities (oxen, legs, parents, pupils) to illustrate the philosophical concept that balance and pairs are essential for life.

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Trivia

Written by renowned lyricist A. Maruthakasi, this song utilizes folk idioms and classical references (such as King Paari from Sangam literature) to deliver simple life wisdom. Maruthakasi was celebrated in 1950s Tamil cinema for weaving deep social and moral philosophy into easy, rhythmic melodies suitable for all audiences.

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