- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Auggath
- Movie name
- Vaaimai
- Movie release year
- 2015
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Aug 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This powerful patriotic song written by lyricist Vairamuthu reflects on India's colonial history, the exploitation by British rulers, and the post-independence state of the nation. The song captures the tragic transition from a self-sufficient, proud civilization to a colony exploited for its resources, contrasting the physical infrastructure built by the British (roads, railways) with the immense loss of cultural identity, wealth, and freedom.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis / Contrast (Edhirmurai)
“Sindhum vervai ingae ingae / Selvam ellaam angae angae”
Contrasts the sweat shed by Indians locally with the wealth accumulated by the Western rulers.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Kizhakkin maarbil kurudhi kudithu kondu / Merkku valarkiragathae”
Metaphorically describes Western colonial growth as drinking blood from the chest of the East.
Metaphor & Imagery
“Ada vellai nari singangalai aandathennavo / Siru vetil koottam engal koottai meindhadhennavoo”
Compares British colonizers to 'white foxes' ruling over Indian 'lions' and 'small insects' grazing on a fort.
Ethirai (Second-letter rhyme)
“Innaadu namm naadu / Vizhundhu pochu vellaikkaaran valaiyilae”
The second letters of 'Innaadu' and 'Vizhundhu' or 'Vandhaargal' and 'Alaigal' align according to Tamil poetic meter principles.
Did you know?
Trivia
The lyrics are written by legendary Tamil poet Vairamuthu for the movie 'Vaaimai' (2016), directed by A. Senthil Kumar. The song acts as a historical commentary on British rule in Madras (Chennai) and transitions into a call against modern corruption.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
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