- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Palaivana Rojakkal
- Movie release year
- 1986
- Lyrics added on
- 6 Aug 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song excerpt reflects on the impermanence of human life and the absolute certainty of mortality. It reminds the listener that no matter what path or status one achieves in the world, every human ultimately arrives at the exact same final destination—the grave, poetically metaphorized as a 'rent-free house'. The lyrics place special emphasis on how fleeting youth and life truly are. By highlighting that youth is merely a fleeting phase within an already brief life, the song encourages deep reflection on the futility of arrogance, material greed, and earthly attachments.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Vadagai illaadha veetta thedi pora”
The 'rent-free house' (vadagai illaadha veedu) is used as a poignant metaphor for the grave or ultimate place of rest after death.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Vaazhkaiye konjam kaalam thaan / Indha vaazhkaiyilae vaalibam konja neram thaan”
The repetitive ending phrase 'konjam kaalam thaan' and 'konja neram thaan' creates a rhythmic, reflective cadence highlighting brevity.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Vaazhkaiye konjam kaalam thaan / Indha vaazhkaiyilae vaalibam konja neram thaan”
Alliteration of the initial consonant sound 'Va' in 'Vaazhkaiye' and 'vaalibam' adds poetic rhythm.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Palaivana Rojakkal' (1986) is a notable political drama film directed by Manivannan with dialogues penned by former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi. The film stars Prabhu, Sathyaraj, and Nalini. The reflective lyric by Gangai Amaran uses colloquial imagery like 'rent-free house' to convey profound philosophical truths about death and the transience of youth.
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