- Lyricist
- Isaignani Ilayaraja
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Thendral Sudum
- Movie release year
- 1989
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Feb 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a tender and philosophical counsel addressed to a woman named Kannamma who is trying to face life's hardships completely alone. The singer gently questions her decision to isolate herself, pointing out that while enlightened ascetics or spiritual figures like Buddha and Siddhars may not need life partners, ordinary human beings thrive on companionship, kinship, and mutual support. The lyricist emphasizes that society often judges single women unfairly, making a strong companion essential to navigate a world full of challenges.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamanai/Uvameyam)
“Kodikkor kambu thaan ulladhaa illaiyaa sol”
Comparing a woman to a creeping vine ('kodi') and a jasmine flower ('mullai'), highlighting her need for a support stick ('kambu') to grow safely.
Analogy / Allegory
“Payanam seiyum vandiyilae thalai mel yendi baaram baaram”
The cart metaphor explains that carrying burdens on one's own head while sitting in a cart is redundant; sharing burdens with a partner lets life carry the load smoothly.
Rhyme / Monai (Initial Rhyming)
“Payanam seiyum vandiyilae”
Use of matching sound patterns at the beginning of adjacent lines (Payanam / Thalai / Baarangalai).
Rhetorical Question
“Pen thaniyaa vaazha aagumaa”
Asking questions where the answer is evident to persuade Kannamma to seek a companion.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Thendral Sudum' (1989) features music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, who also penned the lyrics for this song. Ilaiyaraaja frequently used simple everyday metaphors—such as a passenger carrying luggage on their head while riding inside a vehicle—to convey deep philosophical lessons on human relationships and life's shared responsibilities.
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