- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Neengal Kettavai
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Oct 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic philosophical song reflects on the ephemeral nature of human life, material desires, and worldly attachments. Life is likened to decorative floor patterns (Kolam) that easily get erased, while humans are compared to weary boats searching for the shore, overwhelmed even by the light weight of their oars. The lyrics highlight that birth inherently brings death, and youth, arrogance, and physical form are merely transient illusions. The song urges humanity to stop wasting time in endless longing, sleep, and pride. True joy and meaning are not found in accumulating desires or clinging to temporal relationships, but in selflessly fulfilling one's moral duties in the present moment.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Kalainthu pogum kolangal”
Compares human life to 'Kolam' (floor patterns made of flour/powder) that get erased quickly, signifying impermanence.
Allegory / Metaphor
“Thuduppu kooda baaram endru / Karaiyai thedum odangal”
Compares weary humans searching for peace to boats seeking the shore, finding even their oars burdensome.
Monai (Initial Assonance / Alliteration)
“Kanavu kaanum vaazhkkai yaavum / Kalainthu pogum kolangal”
Repetition of the initial letter 'Ka' across consecutive words in the opening phrase.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Udambu enbathu unmaiyil enna / Kanavugal vaangum / Pai thaanae”
Reduces the physical human body to a mere 'bag' meant for carrying temporary dreams.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song 'Kanavu Kaanum Vaazhkkai' from Neengal Kettavai (1984) was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, written by Vairamuthu, and sung soulfully by K. J. Yesudas. It remains one of the most celebrated existential and philosophical songs in Tamil cinema.
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