- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- Sudha Ragunathan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Ivan
- Movie release year
- 2002
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Oct 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classical song expresses the supreme pride and musical authority of a singer who asserts that no one in the gathering can match her artistry. She credits her unmatched musical talent to the grace of Goddess Kalaimagal (Saraswati), the deity of knowledge and arts, whom she believes resides right on her tongue.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monaai (Alliteration)
“Sangeetha saagarathil / Sathur vilaiyaadidum / Sabaiyil enakku ingae samamena”
The repetition of the initial consonant sound 'Sa' across consecutive lines ('Sangeetha', 'Sathur', 'Sabaiyil', 'Samamena') adds rhythmic harmony and emphasis.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Sangeetha saagarathil”
Music is directly compared to an ocean ('Sangeetha saagarathil'), conveying its immense depth and expanse.
Hyperbole / Synecdoche
“En devi kalaimagal en naavil irukkaiyil”
Claiming that Goddess Kalaimagal sits on her tongue ('en naavil irukkaiyil') is a poetic exaggeration signifying supreme eloquence and vocal perfection.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Ilaiyaraaja for the film 'Ivan' (2002) directed by R. Parthiban, this song was sung by renowned classical Carnatic vocalist Sudha Ragunathan. Vaali's lyrics brilliantly capture the traditional pride of a classical maestro in a sabha, culminating in elaborate swaram (solfege) improvisations.
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