- Lyricist
- Poovai Senguttavan
- Singers
- P. Susheela, Jothi Kanna
- Music director
- T. V. Raju
- Movie name
- Kanimuthu Paappa
- Movie release year
- 1972
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Nov 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant devotional song is a heartfelt prayer directed to Lord Venkateswara (Srinivasa), the deity of the Seven Hills. The singer addresses the Almighty with deep reverence, asserting her right as a devoted soul to question and seek solace. She meditates on the fragile and priceless nature of life, reminding the listener that life cannot be purchased in a market nor fully comprehended by human intellect alone. The emotional core of the song revolves around a tragic dilemma of separation and union. The devotee respectfully challenges the Lord, asking why He would unite a father and child only to pull them apart again. Pleading for divine mercy, guidance, and protection, the song culminates in an earnest plea for the Lord to open His eyes, extend a helping hand, and restore harmony and grace to their lives.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Ezhu malai vaasa emai aalum sreenivaasa / Ennalum thunai neeyae sri venkatesa”
The initial sound 'E' is repeated in 'Ezhu' and 'Ennalum', creating a rhythmic flow in the verse.
Ethugai (Second Letter Agreement)
“Kann thirakka vendum nee kai kodukka vendum / Karunai kaattu neeyae kakka vendum neeyae”
The second consonant sound 'nn' / 'r' pattern complements the lyrical rhythm across adjacent lines, enhancing the song's musicality.
Rhetorical Question (Visualized Emotional Query)
“Serthu vaithu neeyae adhai pirithu veikkalaama”
The line uses a rhetorical question ('Having united them, can you separate them?') to highlight the emotional injustice felt by the singer and appeal to the Lord's sense of mercy.
Metaphor
“Vilai koduthu vaanga uyir kadaiyil virpadhillai”
Life is metaphorically contrasted with a commercial commodity, emphasizing that human life cannot be bought or sold in a shop.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Ezhu Malai Vaasa' from the 1972 film 'Kanimuthu Paappa' is a deeply emotional devotional prayer set against a dramatic family backdrop. The film starred Jaishankar, Muthuraman, and Lakshmi. Composed by T. V. Raju and penned by Poovai Senguttavan, the song showcases P. Susheela's mastery in delivering deep spiritual devotion mixed with human pathos.
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