- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, S. P. Sailaja
- Music director
- Vijay Anand
- Movie name
- Nanayam Illatha Nanayam
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 4 Jun 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song presents a dramatic philosophical confrontation between worldly pragmatism/temptation and unwavering moral integrity. The female voice attempts to seduce the male protagonist into abandoning his rigid principles, arguing that money rules the world and that flexing one's ethics is necessary to prosper while youth lasts.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Siledai / Pun (Double Entendre)
“Naanayam irunthaa naanayam edhukku”
The word 'Naanayam' is brilliantly played upon for its dual meanings in Tamil: 'currency/coin' and 'honesty/integrity'.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Nee valainjaa varavu nimirnthaa selavu”
Contrasting 'valainjaa' (bending/flexing ethics) with 'nimirnthaa' (standing upright/righteous) alongside 'varavu' (income) and 'selavu' (expense) to illustrate corrupt worldly wisdom.
Metaphor
“Un kaasu kaalu thoosu”
Wealth acquired through unethical means is metaphorically reduced to 'kaalu thoosu' (dust beneath the feet) to signify its absolute worthlessness to an honest person.
Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Annalum arinyarum sonnathuthaandi”
Tamil poetic rhyme where the second letter matches ('Annalum' and 'Enakku' / 'Pala' and 'En'), maintaining rhythmic flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Lyricist Vaali uses the central word play on 'Naanayam' (which means both currency and integrity) to echo the movie's title 'Nanayam Illatha Nanayam' (Currency Without Integrity / Integrity-less Coin). Composed by Vijay Anand, the song contrasts lighthearted seductive rhythms with hard-hitting ethical dialogue.
Keep listening
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