- Lyricist
- T. Rajendar
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- T. Rajendar
- Movie name
- Oru Thalai Ragam
- Movie release year
- 1980
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Aug 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Naan Oru Rasiyillaa Raja from the iconic 1980 movie Oru Thalai Ragam expresses the tragic sorrow of unrequited love and a life burdened by misfortune. The protagonist reflects on his life, comparing himself to a king who lacks good fortune and joy. Through rich metaphors such as a stage without melodies and a temple chariot that never saw a procession, the protagonist expresses the hollow nature of his existence despite his sincere efforts to find love and peace.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Naan oru rasiyillaa raja”
The speaker compares himself to a king without luck ('Rasiyillaa raja'), emphasizing his tragic state despite carrying royal pain.
Metaphor & Imagery
“Palar izhukka thaer aanaen / Oorvalamae nadakkavillai”
Comparing his life to a temple chariot ('thaer') pulled by many people, yet never fulfilling its purpose of a procession ('oorvalam').
Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)
“Kannirendum mithakkattum neerinilae / Kai irandum podattum thaalangalae”
The second consonant 'n' (nn) rhymes between 'Kannirendum' and 'En' in Tamil poetic structure, along with parallel imagery of eyes and hands.
Did you know?
Trivia
Oru Thalai Ragam (1980) was a pathbreaking romantic drama in Tamil cinema that ran for over 365 days in theaters. Created entirely by T. Rajendar—who wrote the story, screenplay, dialogue, lyrics, and composed the music—the movie's sad anthems sung by legendary vocalist T. M. Soundararajan became huge hits across South India.
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