- Lyricist
- Papanasam Sivan
- Music director
- C. R. Subbaraman
- Movie name
- Raja Mukthi
- Movie release year
- 1948
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Apr 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song presents a soulful reflection on charity, empathy, and the simplicity of human needs. When the underprivileged are gifted basic necessities like clothing and wealth, thousands of joyful smiles bloom across their faces. Observing this leads the narrator to a profound realization: human existence ultimately requires very little to feel content—just basic sustenance for a small stomach ('jaan vayiru') and simple clothing to wear.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Ponnudan aadaiyai / Punnagai mugam”
Repetition of the initial 'P' sound ('Ponnudan' and 'Punnagai') creates a harmonious rhythm.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Uruginenae / Paruginenae”
Rhyming endings in '-inenae' create a melodic cadence across the stanza.
Idiomatic Metaphor (Jaan Vayiru)
“Jaan vayittru kunavum”
'Jaan vayiru' (a stomach spanning just one hand-length) is a classic Tamil idiom highlighting the modest and minimal physical requirement for human survival.
Metaphor
“Paruginenae”
Using the verb 'to drink' (Paruginenae) metaphorically for experiencing spiritual bliss and happiness.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Raja Mukthi' (1948) was a high-profile historical drama film starring the legendary Carnatic music icon M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT) alongside V. N. Janaki and M. G. Ramachandran (MGR). The song's lyrics were penned by Papanasam Sivan, one of modern Tamil music's greatest classical composers, who brought rich devotional themes and philosophical depth to early Tamil cinema.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Raja Mukthi
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.