- Lyricist
- K. Kalimuthu
- Singer
- Malaysia Vasudevan
- Music director
- Chandrabose
- Movie name
- Yemaatrathe Yemaarathe
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Sept 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Engal Thamizhan Thoonguvatho is a rousing socio-political song that calls for the awakening, dignity, and unity of Tamil people. The lyricist laments the declining prominence of the Tamil language in its own cultural heartland and capital, Chennai, while expressing deep sorrow for the plight and suffering of Eelam Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme/Alliteration)
“Inimai thamizhai thedugiren / Idhayam nondhae vaadugiren”
Repetition of the initial vowel sound 'I' at the start of consecutive lines creates rhythmic harmony.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Idai vandha kadal avar kanneerae”
The ocean separating India and Sri Lanka is poetically metaphorized as the collective tears of the suffering Eelam Tamils.
Apostrophe / Symbolism
“Puliyae puliyae vizhithu ezhu”
Addressing the Tamil people directly as 'tigers', invoking the historical symbol of Tamil valor (associated with the Chola dynasty and Tamil identity) to awaken their strength.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Engal thamizhan thoonguvatho / Sondha mannil vaazhvukku yenguvatho”
The lines end with matching trailing sounds ('thoonguvatho' and 'yenguvatho'), reinforcing the questioning tone.
Did you know?
Trivia
The lyrics for this song were penned by K. Kalimuthu, a prominent Tamil scholar, writer, and politician who served as a Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Sung by Malaysia Vasudevan with music by Chandrabose, the track remains a well-known Tamil identity anthem.
Keep listening
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