- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Puthiya Theerpu
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Dec 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This revolutionary song from 'Puthiya Theerpu' (1985), written by lyricist Vairamuthu, is a fiery socio-political critique of corruption, systemic injustice, and unfulfilled democratic promises. It questions the sacrifices made by previous generations of freedom fighters, highlighting how money corrupts the legal system while righteousness stands helpless. Despite decades of independence and numerous elections, common people remain impoverished while politicians grow wealthy. The lyricist calls upon the youth—metaphorically addressed as 'young tigers' and 'lions'—to wake up from their slumber, unite, and challenge the corrupt leaders whom he describes as 'exploiting foxes.' The song serves as an invigorating anthem urging social awakening and a quest for true dawn and justice.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Adukku Thodar (Repetition for emphasis)
“Eththanai eththanai”
The word 'Eththanai' is repeated twice consecutively to emphasize the overwhelming extent of suffering experienced by the people.
Personification (Uruvagapaduthuthal)
“Kai katti nikkudhu Dharmam ingae”
Dharmam (righteousness) is personified as a human standing with tied hands, visually conveying helplessness against corruption.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Surandum narigalae”
The corrupt, greedy politicians and middlemen are metaphorically referred to as 'surandum narigalae' (exploiting foxes).
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Ilaiya puligal ezhugavae”
The energetic youth of the nation are metaphorically described as 'ilaiya puligal' (young tigers) to evoke courage and revolution.
Oxymoron / Metaphor
“Oomai chudhandhiram”
'Oomai chudhandhiram' (mute independence) is used as a poetic contradiction to highlight freedom that lacks a voice or power for the common man.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Puthiya Theerpu' (1985) is a Tamil action-drama film directed by M. R. Bharathi, starring Vijayakanth in the lead role. The soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with powerful lyrics written by Vairamuthu. The song serves as a central thematic piece highlighting the protagonist's fight for systemic reform.
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