- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- S. Rajeswara Rao
- Movie name
- Mathar Kula Manickam
- Movie release year
- 1956
- Lyrics added on
- 23 May 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Malaiyae Asaindhaalumae is a classic philosophical song from the 1956 Tamil film Mathar Kula Manickam, sung by T. M. Soundararajan with music composed by S. Rajeswara Rao and lyrics by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass. The song urges the human mind to remain steadfast and unshaken even when faced with catastrophic life changes, using the metaphor of an immovable mountain against adversity. It questions the search for peace in a world dictated by fate and impermanence. Through vivid visual metaphors—such as human beings acting as mere pawns on God's chessboard and sweet nectar turning to poison in times of distress—the lyricist highlights the unpredictable turns of life. Ultimately, the song advises self-reflection, encouraging the listener to transcend worry, realize that mental attachment is often the root cause of suffering, and find calm resilience within.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani / Rupakam)
“Kadavulin sadhurangathilae / Naam nadamaadum kaaigalada”
Human beings are metaphorically compared to moving pawns on God's chessboard ('Kadavulin sadhurangathilae / Naam nadamaadum kaaigalada'), illustrating helplessness against fate.
Mona (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Malaiyae asaindhaalumae / Ye manamae nee asaiyaadhae”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Ma' in 'Malaiyae' and 'manamae' creates a soothing rhythmic quality.
Contrast / Antithesis
“Amudhamum vishamaagumada”
Contrasting light and darkness ('Soozhndha irulum' vs 'Jodhiyum') and nectar and poison ('Amudhamum vishamaagumada') to accentuate emotional turmoil.
Personification
“Ye manamae nee asaiyaadhae”
Addressing the human mind ('Ye manamae') directly as an entity capable of listening, resisting, and overcoming anxiety.
Did you know?
Trivia
Mathar Kula Manickam (1956) was a bilingual film produced simultaneously in Telugu as Charana Daasi, based on Rabindranath Tagore's acclaimed novel Noukadubi. This philosophical track performed by T. M. Soundararajan became famous for its existential depth, showcasing lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass's knack for blending Vedantic philosophy with accessible film lyrics during the golden era of Tamil cinema.
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