- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Kaithi Kannayiram
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Oct 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a moral dialogue-style lullaby/guidance song where a mother teaches valuable life lessons to her young child. She cautions the child about the deceptive nature of the world, warning that wicked people put on sweet and coaxing facades while hiding poison in their hearts to ruin unsuspecting, good-natured individuals. She advises the child to stay vigilant, get a proper education, remain courageous, and overcome adversity rather than succumbing to tears or fear. The child responds enthusiastically to each advice, promising to study hard, stay fearless, and grow up to be a proud hero of the nation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Repetition (Adukkuthodar)
“Konji konji pesi mathi mayakkum”
The word 'konji' is repeated continuously for rhythmic emphasis and emotional sweetness.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Vanjagarin ulagam valai virikkum”
Comparing deceitful intentions to a net ('valai') thrown to catch unsuspecting victims, and sorrow to a storm ('thunba puyal').
Etukai (Second letter rhyme in Tamil prosody)
“Nanjai nenjilae maraiththirukkum / Nambum nallavar kudi kedukkum”
The second letters 'n' (Nanjai / Nambum) rhyme across lines, creating traditional Tamil rhythmic meter.
Monaai (Alliteration in Tamil prosody)
“Azhuvathum thavaru anjuvathum thavaru”
Matching initial consonant sounds ('Azhu' and 'Anju') creating internal rhythm.
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Trivia
The song from 'Kaithi Kannayiram' (1960) features iconic music by K. V. Mahadevan and lyrics by A. Maruthakasi. It remains one of Tamil cinema's classic inspirational songs imparting moral values through motherly advice.
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