- Lyricist
- Panchu Arunachalam
- Singer
- Ilayaraja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kali Kaalam
- Movie release year
- 1992
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Jan 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song reflects deeply on moral decay and the self-destructive path of humanity in modern times ('Kali Kaalam'). It opens with a call to practice fundamental virtues—thinking, hearing, speaking, and performing good deeds. The song then poses grave rhetorical questions asking whether the Earth can endure the current actions of humans and whether God will accept such a misguided journey.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Emonai
“Nallavaigalai nenaipom / Nallavaigalai ketppom”
Repetition of the phrase 'Nallavaigalai' at the start of consecutive lines creates a strong moral emphasis and rhythmic unity.
Rhetorical Question
“Indha ulagam thaangumaa / Andha dheivam yerkkumaa”
Asking 'Can this world bear it?' and 'Will that God accept it?' challenges the listener to introspect without expecting a direct spoken answer.
Epizeuxis (Repetition)
“Povadhengae povadhengae”
Repetition of 'Povadhengae' (Where are you going) emphasizes the confusion and aimlessness of modern human life.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by veteran producer-lyricist Panchu Arunachalam, the opening lines draw inspiration from ancient ethical teachings, similar to the proverb of the three wise monkeys, emphasizing right thoughts, speech, and action.
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