- Lyricist
- Poovai Senguttavan
- Singer
- Malaysia Vasudevan
- Music director
- Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan
- Movie name
- Gumasthavin Magal
- Movie release year
- 1974
- Lyrics added on
- 16 Jul 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song reflects on the unpredictable and mysterious nature of time and destiny, comparing fate to a game of hide-and-seek. It highlights the contrasts in human nature and society, particularly emphasizing the struggles, purity, and moral integrity of women who uphold their dignity despite societal objectification and hardships. The lyricist draws parallels from the epic Ramayana, contrasting those who aspire to live a righteous life like Rama and Sita with those who indulge in sin like Ravana. Through these comparisons, the song reflects on virtue, morality, and the inevitable twists brought about by time.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai / Roobagam)
“Kaalam seiyyum vilaiyaattu / Adhu kannaamoochchi vilaiyaattu”
Comparing time's unpredictable turns to a game of hide-and-seek (kannaamoochchi vilaiyaattu).
Antithesis / Contrast
“Vaazha ninaippavar palar undu / Paavam seipavar silar undu”
Contrasting 'palar undu' (there are many) with 'silar undu' (there are a few) to differentiate between common flawed behavior and rare virtuous qualities.
Mythological Allusion
“Raman seethai vaazhnthathu polae... Antha ravanan polae indrum thondri”
Referencing epic characters Rama, Sita, and Ravana to symbolize ideal righteousness versus sinful conduct.
Edhugai (Tamil Second-letter Rhyme)
“Santhai porulaai pennai ennum / Vinthai manithar palar undu”
Rhyming the second letter of consecutive lines (e.g., 'Santhai' and 'Vinthai', 'Raman' and 'Paavam' sound patterns).
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Gumasthavin Magal' (1974) was adapted from the famous Tamil novel of the same name written by Kalki Krishnamurthy. Music director Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, famous for his classical violin virtuosity, provided a grounded melodic score for this social drama film.
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