- Lyricist
- Ka. Mu. Sheriff
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- S. Rajeswara Rao
- Movie name
- Pattaliyin Vetri
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Jan 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from Pattaliyin Vetri (1960) is a warm and affectionate ode to farm cattle, celebrating them as the true wealth of Tamil Nadu and essential partners in rural agriculture. The singer playfully addresses young bulls, urging them to grow strong and help plow the family's fields so that their household can overcome hardship and achieve happiness. The lyrics highlight the contentment and selfless nature of the bulls, contrasting them with greedy human beings. While humans demand luxurious food, comforts, and titles, the bulls work tirelessly day and night with complete loyalty to their master, needing nothing more than straw and water. Ultimately, the song honors these speechless creatures as the foundation of human survival and agricultural prosperity.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Onomatopoeia
“Jingu jingunnu jingu jingunnu”
'Jingu jingunnu' uses rhythmic sound-words that evoke the chiming of bells on cattle or their lively gait.
Metaphor
“Senthamizh naattin selvangalae”
Addressing farm cattle as 'treasures of the Tamil land' elevates speechless animals to prized societal assets.
Contrast / Satire
“Nenjil eeramillaa manidar kaattilum / Ulagilae neengalae melaagum”
Contrasts the extreme simplicity of cattle with human greed, highlighting that animals are morally superior to heartless humans.
Monnai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Pathavi pattamae ketkkaamalae”
Repetition of initial consonants like 'Pathavi' and 'pattamae' adds poetic cadence.
Did you know?
Trivia
Pattaliyin Vetri (1960), directed by A. Subba Rao, featured songs celebrating working-class dignity and agricultural labor. S. Rajeswara Rao composed the music, while Ka. Mu. Sheriff wrote the lyrics filled with agrarian theme and folk rhythm.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Pattaliyin Vetri
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.