- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Nermai
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Nov 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Ethanai Iniya Kudumbam' from the 1985 Tamil film 'Nermai' is a soulful celebration of familial harmony, human kindness, and social equality. Written by Pulamaipithan, the lyrics portray a loving home that transcends material boundaries, transforming into a temple of moral and emotional values. The song celebrates a family rooted in noble thoughts, where relationships are prized over monetary wealth.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Ethanai iniya kudumbam / Muthamizh kavidhai arangam”
The second consonant sound 'th' (த்) rhymes between 'Ethanai' and 'Muthamizh', creating a rhythmic flow.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Anbenum nadhiyilae aada kanden”
Love is directly compared to a river ('river of love' - Anbenum nadhi) in which human souls bathe.
Literary Allusion
“Yaadhum oorae ilakkiyam sonnadhu”
Directly alludes to the famous Sangam Tamil line 'Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir' by poet Kaniyan Pungundranar.
Personification / Simile
“Anbu selvangalae kodiyil aadum mullaigalae”
Children are affectionately compared to delicate jasmine flowers swaying on a vine.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Nermai' (1985) is a drama film directed by R. Krishnamoorthy, starring Sivaji Ganesan and Sujatha. The songs were composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics penned by the veteran lyricist Pulamaipithan, known for incorporating classical Tamil literary themes into popular cinema music.
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