- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Jayachandran
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Sujatha
- Movie release year
- 1980
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Apr 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This soulful philosophical track written by Kannadasan reflects on the illusory and transient nature of human existence, worldly attachments, and emotional desires. Using vivid surreal imagery—such as attempting to catch fish in a desert mirage or building castles in the wind—the song illustrates how human aspirations often chase impossibilities. The lyrics express disillusionment after observing life extensively, concluding that human relationships and mental desires are fleeting dreams that leave people feeling like helpless playthings in the hands of time and destiny.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Kaanalilae meen vettai / Kaatrinilae maaligaigal”
Compares futile human desires and pursuits to the impossible act of fishing in a mirage and building palaces in the wind.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Maanidarin vaazhkkaiyilae / Mayakka migum sonthangal”
The initial sound 'M' is repeated across consecutive lines to create a lyrical cadence.
Emonai / Paradox
“Santhiyilae malaraagi / Anthiyilae mottaagi”
Presents an unnatural reversal where flowers blossom into full bloom at a public junction but regress back into buds by dusk, symbolizing distorted expectations.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by M. S. Viswanathan for the 1980 film Sujatha, this song sung by P. Jayachandran captures poet Kannadasan's signature philosophical style regarding the impermanence of life, reminiscent of his famous existential compositions.
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