- Lyricist
- Jayakanthan
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, Chorus
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Ethanai Konam Ethanai Parvai
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 9 Dec 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Ethanai Konam Ethanai Paarvai' serves as a profound socialist philosophical commentary on human existence, social hierarchy, and artistic representation. It explores how reality is interpreted through various angles and perspectives across literature, art, cinema, and society. The lyrics champion the working class—the physical laborers who haul heavy loads, break mountains, and build the nation—referring to them as the true backbone and nervous system of the country and the literal manifestation of God. Simultaneously, the song sharply criticizes financial exploiters, corrupt accountants, and oppressive capitalist classes, calling for an end to class disparity. It encourages resilience, proactive problem-solving, and the preservation of human life and dignity rather than surrendering to poverty or despair.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Naattukkuzhaippavanga narambu mandalanga”
Comparing the working class directly to the 'nervous system' (narambu mandalam) of the nation, highlighting their indispensability.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Mootta sumappavanga mudhugelumbu ullavanga”
Repetition of the 'Mu' sound at the beginning of 'Mootta' and 'mudhugelumbu'.
Ethugai (Second-letter Assonance)
“Kaatti koduppavanga / Vaatti vadhaippavanga”
The second consonant sound 'tt' matches in 'Kaatti' and 'Vaatti'.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Kavalai valarkkalaamo / Manidha karuvai azhikkalaamo”
Both lines end with the rhyming suffix '-laamo', creating a rhythmic questioning tone.
Did you know?
Trivia
This song is from the 1982 film 'Ethanai Konam Ethanai Parvai', which was directed by acclaimed film editor B. Lenin and based on a novel written by the legendary Tamil author Jayakanthan. Jayakanthan himself penned the lyrics for this track, infusing it with his characteristic socialist ideology, literary depth, and focus on working-class empowerment.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Ethanai Konam Ethanai Parvai
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.