- Lyricist
- Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
- Singers
- Seerkazhi Govindarajan, K. Jamunarani
- Music director
- T. R. Rajagopal
- Movie name
- Kann Thiranthadhu
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 6 Mar 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song is a cynical yet realistic social commentary on human nature, survival, and worldly hypocrisy penned by Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram. It urges the listener to live in the present and enjoy life rather than worrying endlessly about the past or future. It criticizes those who hoard wealth secretly without enjoying it or sharing it with family, pointing out the ultimate irony that death claims everyone in the end. The song further advises practical street-smartness over naive idealism, noting that moral purity is rare in a flawed world.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Ponnaana naalai keduppavan kurudan”
Compares someone who wastes the present day by constantly postponing to 'tomorrow' as a blind person ('kurudan').
Simile (Uvamai)
“Nariyai polae eliyai polae”
Uses animals (dog, fox, mouse) to represent different modes of living and survival tactics in a harsh society.
Monai / Anaphora
“Udambhu azhukku udaiyum azhukku Ullam azhukkungha”
Repetition of initial consonant and vocalic sounds across consecutive phrases ('Udambhu', 'Udaiyum', 'Ullam') for rhythmic effect.
Rhyme (Iyaibu)
“Odambu nalinju poravan madaiyan”
End rhymes using '-an' ending words (madaiyan, manushan, kurudan) to maintain lyrical flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram was famous for embedding sharp socialist philosophy and practical worldly advice into simple, colloquial Tamil folk-style lyrics. 'Kann Thiranthadhu' (1959) features music by T. R. Rajagopal and vocal renditions by Seerkazhi Govindarajan and K. Jamunarani.
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