- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singers
- P. Bhanumathi, A. M. Rajah
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Thaaikkuppin Thaaram
- Movie release year
- 1956
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Oct 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deep melancholic reflection on love, distress, and yearning for relief. The protagonist questions whether the joy promised by love is merely a form of emotional imprisonment and captivity. Feeling hopeless, the lyrics declare that if love cannot thrive in this world, embraced death remains the only divine escape from agony.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagaim)
“Sirai kaaval nilai thaanaa”
Comparing the pain and emotional distress of unfulfilled love to living in a prison guard state ('Sirai kaaval nilai').
Metaphor (Uruvagaim)
“Kanavo ninaivo kaanal neeraagumo”
Comparing cherished memories and dreams to a mirage ('kaanal neer'), signifying illusion and heartbreak.
Monai (Alliteration)
“Kanavo ninaivo kaanal neeraagumo”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Ka' across words in the line ('Kanavo', 'kaanal').
Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Aani)
“Kavalaiyin nilai maarumo”
Using reflective questions to express grief and uncertainty about whether hardship will ever end.
Did you know?
Trivia
Thaaikkuppin Thaaram (1956) was the maiden film production of Sandow M. M. A. Chinnappa Thevar under the banner Devar Films. Starring M. G. Ramachandran and Bhanumathi, the film's memorable soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, helping establish his long-standing collaboration with MGR.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Thaaikkuppin Thaaram
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.