- Lyricist
- Lyricist Not Known
- Singer
- A. L. Naarayanan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum
- Movie release year
- 1983
- Lyrics added on
- 4 Nov 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a fiery revolutionary anthem centered around breaking free from generational oppression and bondage. The opening lines depict servitude as a heavy chain bound to the oppressed right from birth, enforced by oppressors for centuries. The lyrics warn that when the oppressed rise up and shatter these bonds, their collective rage will consume the tyrants.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Karuvil ulla kaalam thottu / Kaalil potta sangili”
Repetition of the 'Ka' sound at the beginning of successive lines ('Karuvil', 'Kaalil', 'Kaalam', 'Kaaval') creates a rhythmic, martial cadence.
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Kaalam kaalamaaga neengal / Kaaval kaaththa sangili”
'Sangili' (Chain) serves as a metaphor for social inequality and systemic oppression inherited across generations.
Anaphora (Repetition)
“Unnai itta thee ... Paavi itta thee”
The phrase 'Itta thee' (The fire set) is repeated across multiple stanzas to build dramatic tension and symbolize devastating retribution.
Did you know?
Trivia
The title 'Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum' translates to 'If the eyes turn red (in rage), the soil will turn red (with blood/revolution)'. The lyrics draw upon epic Tamil motifs of destructive fire born from injustice, echoing themes reminiscent of Kannagi burning Madurai or Hanuman burning Lanka.
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