- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Naalai Unathu Naal
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Oct 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Koodu Thaedi Alaiyum Kiligalae' from the 1984 movie 'Naalai Unathu Naal', written by lyricist Vairamuthu, is a deep philosophical reflection on the fleeting nature of human existence and the absolute certainty of death. Addressing human beings metaphorically as wandering parrots searching for safety, the song warns that humanity is constantly hunted by time and death while pursuing transient worldly goals. The lyrics trace the human journey from its origin in the womb ('karukkuzhi') to its inevitable end in the grave ('savakkuzhi'). It emphasizes that destiny controls every step, rendering human resistance against mortality completely futile. Death acts as an inescapable shadow that accompanies every living soul from birth to the ultimate boundary that no person can cross or return from.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Koodu thaedi alaiyum kiligalae”
Human beings are metaphorically depicted as 'kiligal' (parrots) wandering in search of a 'koodu' (nest/home), representing humanity's restless search for security and purpose in a temporary world.
Personification
“Saavu ummai thedugindrathae”
Death ('Saavu') is personified as a relentless seeker active on a mission to hunt down living beings.
Rhyming Contrast (Iyaibu / Ethirai)
“Karukkuzhiththaanae / Mooduvathu engae savakkuzhiththaanae”
The lyricist creates a stark philosophical contrast between birth and death using rhyming terminal sounds ('karukkuzhiththaanae' vs 'savakkuzhiththaanae').
Simile (Uvamaani)
“Nizhal pol thodarum maranam….mm”
Death is explicitly compared to a shadow ('nizhal pol') that silently follows every step of a person's life.
Did you know?
Trivia
Featured in the 1984 thriller movie 'Naalai Unathu Naal' starring Vijayakanth and Nalini, this thematic song composed by Ilaiyaraaja carries heavy philosophical undertones that mirror the suspenseful and mortal stakes of the film's narrative.
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