- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. B. Sreenivas
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Sumai Thangi
- Movie release year
- 1962
- Lyrics added on
- 10 May 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Mayakkama Kalakkama' from Sumai Thangi (1962) is an iconic Tamil philosophical song written by Kannadasan, set to music by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, and rendered by P. B. Sreenivas. The song acts as a comforting guide for anyone facing existential crisis, grief, or immense life hardship. The lyricist gently reminds us that pain and sorrow are universal across all households. Wallowing in self-pity or fear does not dissolve troubles; instead, cultivating an enduring heart brings lifelong peace. He encourages transforming even a humble or grieving mind into a rich palace of hope, surrendering tomorrow's anxieties to the divine, and finding contentment by realizing that millions face far greater suffering.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question
“Mayakama kalakama / Manadhilae kuzhapamaa / Vaazhkaiyil nadukamaa”
The song opens with a series of rhythmic, probing questions addressing mental distress to immediately connect with the listener's internal struggle.
Moonaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Mayakama kalakama / Manadhilae kuzhapamaa”
Repetition of the 'M' consonant sound at the start of adjacent words/lines, creating a soothing musical cadence.
Uruvagamb (Metaphor)
“Ezhai / Manadhai maaligaiyakki”
Metaphorically converting a poor, grieving mind into a grand palace ('maaligai'), urging mental strength over material wealth.
Contrast / Perspective Shift
“Unakum / Keezhae ullavar kodi / Ninaithu paarthu / Nimmadhi naadu”
Encourages solace by asking the individual to compare their plight with millions of others in worse conditions.
Did you know?
Trivia
Legend has it that lyricist Kannadasan wrote this iconic song during a personal period of severe financial distress and mental anguish. Composed by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy and sung by P. B. Sreenivas, the song brought immense spiritual comfort to Kannadasan himself and became one of Tamil cinema's greatest evergreen philosophical songs.
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