- Lyricist
- Panchu Arunachalam
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, S. P. Sailaja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kanni Theevu
- Movie release year
- 1981
- Lyrics added on
- 2 Apr 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Poi Meedhu Poi Solli from the movie Kanni Theevu (1981) is a powerful, revolutionary song protesting tyranny, deception, and social injustice. The song condemns a dictator who deceives naive citizens, claims divine authority, and ruthlessly exploits the poor while hoarding immense wealth. It paints a grim picture of a society lacking basic human rights, schools, and medical care, where oppressed people are forced to live like cattle.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question
“Haei onnaa rendaa / Naan sonnaa thappaa”
Asking 'Is it one or two?' highlights that the ruler's crimes are far too innumerable to count, while 'Am I wrong if I say this?' challenges the censorship and fear imposed by the tyrant.
Simile (Uvamai Ani)
“Kaalnadai polavae vaazhgiraar maandharae”
Compares human beings living under oppressive, neglected conditions directly to cattle ('Kaalnadai polavae').
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Naadagam aaduraan ooraiyae yaeikkuraan / Vaeshamaepoduraan paaviyaa vaazhuraan”
Repetitive rhythmic end-rhymes ('aaduraan', 'yaeikkuraan', 'vaeshamaepoduraan', 'vaazhuraan') create an emphatic, fast-paced cadence expressing outrage.
Monai (Initial Assonance)
“Needhiyum illaiyae naermaiyum illaiyae”
The repetition of the initial sound ('Nee-' / 'Nae-') links 'Needhi' (Justice) and 'Naermai' (Honesty) to emphasize the absolute lack of moral values.
Keep listening
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