- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Ghantasala
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Anbu Sagodharargal
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Jun 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song depicts the immense bond of fraternal love and the heartbreaking agony of helpless poverty. The elder brother reflects on how dearly he holds his younger brothers, valuing their relationship far above worldly riches. When his sick younger brother faces grave illness, he suffers in anguish because he lacks money for medical treatment and can offer nothing but comforting songs.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor and Simile (Upamanai)
“Muthukku muthaaga”
Compares brothers to priceless pearls ('Muthukku muthaaga') and indispensable eyesight ('Kannukku kannaaga') to emphasize their invaluable bond.
Rhyme and Assonance (Edhugai / Monai)
“Sothukku sothaaga”
Uses rhythmic repetition of '-aaga' endings and initial letter sound alignments ('Muthukku' / 'Sothukku') to create a resonant, melodic cadence.
Pathos / Emotional Climax (Iraiyoer / Melodramatic Pledge)
“Thevai oru jeevan endraal / Naan poga sammathamae”
Expresses ultimate self-sacrifice where the protagonist offers his own life to God in exchange for his ailing brother's life.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is composed by K. V. Mahadevan, sung by T. M. Soundararajan, and written by Kannadasan for the 1973 film 'Anbu Sagodharargal', a remake of the Hindi hit film 'Pardoesi' (1972). It remains an iconic anthem of brotherly affection in Tamil cinema.
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