- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- R. D. Burman
- Movie name
- Poo Mazhai Pozhiyuthu
- Movie release year
- 1987
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Jan 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Ellarum Paithiyam Thaan' takes a satirical, philosophical, and playful approach toward human nature and society. Through eccentric observations, the singer asserts that everyone in the world possesses a degree of madness, including the Creator Himself. Using clever riddles and wordplay—such as a needle having an ear that cannot hear, a coconut having eyes that cannot see, and a comb having teeth that cannot bite—the lyrics reveal the illusions and absurdities of human life.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Wordplay / Pun (Sledhai)
“Oo oosikku kaadhirukku / Aanalum ketkaadhu”
In Tamil, 'kaadhu' means both the eye of a needle and an ear. The lyricist cleverly plays on double meanings like 'kaadhu' (ear/eye of needle), 'kann' (eyes of coconut), and 'pal' (teeth of comb).
Rhyme / Monnai (Initial Rhyming)
“Arivil thaan kolaru / Illadha aal yaaru”
The words 'Arivil', 'Illadha', 'Therinja', 'Theriyatti' present strong rhythmic and structural matching across consecutive lines.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Sirichaa sirippen azhudha azhuven”
Contrasting actions like laughing ('sirichaa') and crying ('azhudha') highlight the singer's reactive, non-attached view of the world.
Philosophical Allusion
“Pathinettu sitharuthaan / Idhaiyellam sonnaru”
References the 18 Siddhas (Sithar) of Tamil philosophy who renounced worldly ties because they realized society's grand illusion ('maayam').
Did you know?
Trivia
This rare Tamil song was composed by legendary Bollywood music director R. D. Burman for the 1987 movie 'Poo Mazhai Pozhiyuthu'. Singer K. S. Chithra delivered a versatile performance capturing eccentric laughter and melodic modulations, backed by Vaali's sharp philosophical humor.
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