- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, Chorus
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Sattam En Kaiyil
- Movie release year
- 1978
- Lyrics added on
- 9 Jun 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from 'Sattam En Kaiyil' (1978) is a socio-philosophical track that blends playful metaphors with deep life moral principles. Written by Kannadasan, it encourages people to overcome bad karma, perform generous acts of charity, and respect common social wealth. It underscores the vital role of education for young children in building a strong future for the nation. The lyrics pay tribute to great political leaders born in poor families who sacrificed their freedom in prison for the country. It contrasts selfless leaders with those who ruin their lives chasing worldly lust, warning that dishonorable conduct leads to ruin. Ultimately, it celebrates moral living and wishes eternal prosperity to a benevolent figure.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Karmam tholaiyattum kaiyila edu / Dharmam thazhaikkattum alliyae kodu”
Matching second consonants across lines ('rm' sound in Karmam and Dharmam).
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Pallikku pora pulla puthaga kattu / Idhu buthikku vithu”
Comparing books/education to seeds that grow intellect ('buthikku vithu') and a young girl to a sparrow ('Aavani sittu').
Idiom (Thodar / Marabuthodar)
“Kallukkul naarurikkum Aalum irundhaar”
'Kallukkul naarurikkum' is a Tamil idiom referring to achieving impossibly difficult feats.
Alliteration (Moonaai)
“Kada thaengaayo vazhi pullaiyaaro”
Repetition of initial consonants 'k' across words in the line.
Keep listening
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