- Lyricist
- Papanasam Sivan
- Singer
- P. Bhanumathi
- Music directors
- G. Ramanathan, C. R. Subbaraman
- Movie name
- Rathna Kumar
- Movie release year
- 1949
- Lyrics added on
- 1 May 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song reflects on the fleeting nature of youth, physical beauty, and life itself. It warns that youth and charm wither away quickly, just like a morning blossom that fades by evening. People often live in the illusion that their spring-like youth will last forever, only to lament in grief when age catches up and opportunities slip away.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Kaalai malar maalaiyinil Vaadippogum”
Compares youth and physical beauty to a morning flower that inevitably withers by evening.
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Vaazhvin kalasam Varandidum munnae”
Refers to life as a 'kalasam' (a sacred vessel or urn filled with nectar/water) that can run dry.
Proverb / Idiom (Pazhamozhi)
“Kaattrulla podhae Thoottrida ezhundhiradaa”
Adapts the popular Tamil proverb 'Kaattrulla podhae thoottru' (Make hay while the sun shines / Winnow while the wind blows).
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Vaazhvin kalasam / Varandidum munnae / Vaariyae parugidadaa”
Repetition of the initial 'Vaa' sound across consecutive lines.
Did you know?
Trivia
Rathna Kumar (1949) was a historic Tamil film featuring both M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and P. U. Chinnappa. The music was jointly composed by G. Ramanathan and C. R. Subbaraman, with profound philosophical lyrics penned by Papanasam Sivan.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Rathna Kumar
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.