- Lyricist
- Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Konjum Salangai
- Movie release year
- 1962
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Jun 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song conveys the intense grief, yearning, and helplessness of a protagonist suffering in isolation. Trapped in a fire of loneliness and faced with obstacles set up by family against pure, innocent love, she wonders if the sweet, comforting voice of her beloved will ever reach her again and cure her deep-seated anxieties. Despite the physical distance and overwhelming barriers, her heart continues to resonate with memories of love that once called to her like a dream. The song balances a sense of tragic melancholy with a persistent hope that the music of love will echo once more to alleviate her suffering.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Thanimai ennum theeyilae”
Solitude is explicitly compared to a burning fire ('Thanimai ennum theeyilae') to emphasize the intense pain of suffering alone.
Simile (Uvamai)
“Kanavil paadum gaanam polae”
The calling voice of love is compared to a song heard in a dream ('Kanavil paadum gaanam polae').
Rhetorical Question
“Kaadhal geetham ketkuma”
Asking 'Kaadhal geetham ketkuma' (Will the song of love be heard?) repeatedly highlights emotional uncertainty and yearning rather than seeking a literal answer.
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Ellai illaa anbu vadivai”
The second consonant sound matches across consecutive lines ('Thanimai' and 'Naan thavithu', with 'th' sound, and 'Kallam' / 'Thalli' / 'Ellai').
Did you know?
Trivia
From the film 'Konjum Salangai' (1962), this acclaimed song was composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, written by Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam, and rendered by the legendary playback singer P. Leela. The film is famous for being one of the landmark musical films in Tamil cinema featuring Gemini Ganesan and Savitri.
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