- Lyricist
- Papanasam Sivan
- Singer
- P. U. Chinnappa
- Music directors
- G. Ramanathan, C. R. Subbaraman
- Movie name
- Rathna Kumar
- Movie release year
- 1949
- Lyrics added on
- 2 May 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant track from the 1949 film 'Rathna Kumar', composed by S. V. Venkatraman and C. R. Subbaraman with lyrics by Papanasam Sivan, is an evocative plea for charity by two destitute wanderers. Addressing the audience and patrons as benevolent kings and queens, they express their plight of having no home, no land to call their own, and no clothing to shield them from the biting cold or scorching heat. Elevating the noble acts of philanthropy, the singers praise generous donors as being even greater than birth parents. They highlight the harsh reality that singing alone cannot fill a hungry stomach and beg for mercy, food, old clothes, and small change, emphasizing that righteous acts of charity bring divine merit.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monaai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Paaduvadhaalae pasi theerndhidumo / Parivaai eliyor mugamae / Paarthiduveerae”
Repetition of the 'Pa' sound at the start of consecutive lines creates a rhythmic cadence.
Anaphora (Repetitive Refrain)
“Magaraajargalae magaraasigalae”
The address 'Magaraajargalae magaraasigalae' is repeated extensively across stanzas to reinforce the humble pitch for alms.
Hyperbole / Metaphor
“Pettra thaayin mikkorae, Engal thandhaiyum neerae”
Comparing potential donors to be greater than one's birth mother ('Pettra thaayin mikkorae') flatters the listener to invoke deep empathy and charity.
Did you know?
Trivia
From the 1949 Tamil movie 'Rathna Kumar', starring P. U. Chinnappa and M. G. Ramachandran (MGR). The lyrics were crafted by the renowned Classical Carnatic composer and lyricist Papanasam Sivan, who expertly captured the traditional folk form of 'Pitchai Paattu' (beggar's appeal song) popular in vintage Tamil theatre and cinema.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Rathna Kumar
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.