- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Movie name
- Nandha
- Movie release year
- 2001
- Lyrics added on
- 29 Jan 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a deeply philosophical contemplation on the fleeting nature of human existence, material wealth, and worldly relationships. It questions the illusion of human control, emphasizing that life is an uncertain journey governed by time and fate rather than individual will. By evoking timeless metaphors of natural freedom—like the wind and the river—it encourages detachment and self-realization.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethugai (Second letter rhyming)
“Kaatrukku yaar ingae / Aatrukku yaar ingae”
The second consonant sound 't' (ட்) matches between 'Kaatrukku' and 'Aatrukku', creating a natural Tamil poetic rhythm.
Allusion (Illakkiya Kurippu)
“Kaadhilla oosiyumae kadaisi varaikkum varaathae / Pattinathaar sonnaanae”
Direct reference to the famous lines of 10th-century Tamil saint Pattinathar ('Kadhuthattha oosiyum vaaraadhu kaan kadaivazhikke'), highlighting the philosophy that even an eyeless needle cannot be carried beyond death.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Edhanaikondu naam vanthom / Edhanai kondu pogindrom”
Both consecutive lines end with rhyming verbs ('vanthom' / 'pogindrom') emphasizing the balance of birth and death.
Rhetorical Question
“Kaatrukku yaar ingae paattu solli thanthaaro / Aatrukku yaar ingae paadhai pottu thanthaaro”
Questions are asked not to gain an answer, but to illustrate the unwritten, inherent laws of nature.
Did you know?
Trivia
Although the music director for the movie 'Nandha' (2001) was Yuvan Shankar Raja, this soulful philosophical track was uniquely sung by his father, Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. The lyrics penned by Pulamaipithan subtly echo ancient Siddhar literature and Pattinathar's ascetic philosophy.
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