- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- R. Balasaraswathi Devi
- Music director
- S. Dakshinamurthi
- Movie name
- Yaar Paiyyan
- Movie release year
- 1957
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Jul 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This playful riddle song from the 1957 Tamil film Yaar Paiyyan features a female character asking riddles to a young male character. Through a fun game of questions and answers, she challenges him to identify everyday objects like slippers and castor seeds using his wits rather than relying on guesswork. Beyond the lighthearted riddles, lyricist A. Maruthakasi weaves in a deeper educational message. The song emphasizes that school education alone is incomplete unless one cultivates 'pagutharivu' (rational and critical thinking). It encourages young minds to observe the world carefully and apply intellect in everyday life.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Palliyilae paadam mattum / Padithaalae podhumaa”
Repetition of the initial 'Pa' sound in 'Palliyilae', 'paadam', and 'Padithaalae' creates a smooth, rhythmic flow.
Ethirai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Thanneerai kaanum podhu / Thaviyaaga thavikkumae”
Rhyming of the second consonant sound 'nn' across lines 'Thanneerai' and 'Thaviyaaga'.
Vidukadhai (Riddle Motif / Imagery)
“Pachai tholil mullirukkum / Pagarkaayum allavae”
Use of paradoxical and descriptive physical traits to form engaging poetic riddles.
Did you know?
Trivia
Yaar Paiyyan (1957) starred Gemini Ganesan and Savitri, with music composed by S. Dakshinamurthi. The song incorporates elements of the Dravidian rationalist movement popular during 1950s Tamil cinema, encouraging 'Pagutharivu' (rationalism) in children through accessible folk riddles.
Keep listening
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