- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Kalyaniyin Kanavan
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Aug 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic philosophical song written by Kannadasan celebrates the dignity of labor, simple living, and honest hard work. Addressing 'Muththaiyaa', the singer emphasizes that with working hands, active legs, fertile land given by God, and an honest character, a hardworking farmer can live a self-respecting life without depending on anyone. The song contrasts the joyful, peaceful life of honest laborers with the anxiety-ridden existence of the wealthy who accumulate millions and live in heavily guarded mansions yet suffer from sleeplessness and perpetual fear. The lyrics advocate for contentment and truthfulness over greedy wealth accumulation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Emonai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa”
Repetition of the 'ya' / 'i' consonant sound in the second character of consecutive lines (Kaiyirukkuthu / Ingae).
Anaphora / Repetition
“Kaiyirukkuthu kaalirukkuthu muththaiyaa”
The refrain line addressing 'Muththaiyaa' is repeated emphasizing the direct address and conversational tone of rural folk songs.
Imagery & Contrast
“Yaezhu maadi veettukullae... Avan kannukullae Thookkamillae muththaiyaa”
Kannadasan contrasts the physical comfort of a seven-story mansion with the inner turmoil of sleeplessness.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Kalyaniyin Kanavan' (1963) featured music composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and starred Sivaji Ganesan and B. Saroja Devi. Lyricist Kannadasan was known for inserting profound societal philosophies into simple rural folk rhythms.
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