- Lyricist
- Muthulingam
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, S. P. Sailaja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Vaazhkai
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 15 Dec 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song presents a sharp philosophical and societal contrast between upper-class excess and working-class struggle. It highlights how money can purchase superficial pleasures and luxury ('buying heaven'), whereas emotional bonds and relationships often dissolve like a mirage. Through expressive lyrics, the narrative questions the authenticity of social ties in a world driven by material greed. Simultaneously, the song offers an uplifting message of resilience and self-worth. By metaphorically comparing human talent and integrity to gold that retains its luster even when tested in fire, the lyricist emphasizes that true merit and honesty will eventually triumph over temporary hardship, crowning the individual with success in due time.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethiraimai (Antithasis / Contrast)
“Angae paarthaal arangerum poigal / Ingae paarthaal kaai kaaitha kaigal”
Contrasts the deceptive luxury of the wealthy ('angae arangerum poigal') with the honest calloused hands of working people ('ingae kaai kaaitha kaigal').
Uvamaani (Metaphor)
“Uravum kaanal neeraanadhae”
Compares human relationships to a mirage ('kaanal neer'), signifying their temporary and deceitful nature in a materialistic world.
Uvamaani (Analogy / Metaphor)
“Urugum thangam tharam povadhillai / Neruppil veezhndhum niram povadhillai”
Compares inherent talent and truth to pure gold tested in fire, which never loses its intrinsic quality or color despite suffering.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Medai yerungal / Jodi saerungal”
Repetition of the initial letter 'M' across adjacent structural words.
Did you know?
Trivia
The movie 'Vaazhkai' (1984), directed by C. V. Rajendran, starred legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan alongside Ambika, Jaishankar, and Silk Smitha. The soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, featuring prominent lyrics written by poet Muthulingam.
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