- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- Jikki
- Music director
- A. M. Rajah
- Movie name
- Vidivelli
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 30 Jul 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Naan Vaazhnthathum Unnaalae from Vidivelli (1960) is an emotionally charged Tamil song penned by the legendary Kannadasan. The lyrics capture the bittersweet journey of a mother whose life's fortunes, suffering, and ultimate purpose are completely intertwined with her son. She expresses how his presence brought immense joy and hope like a shining moon, yet destiny brought severe heartbreaks and hardships that tore her life apart. Despite enduring relentless trials and feeling abandoned by fate, her maternal love remains steadfast and unconditional. In the concluding lines, she vows to protect her child like eyelids guarding the eyes, finding a renewed sense of devotion and declaring that her future existence remains solely dedicated to him.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethukai (Second-letter rhyme)
“Naan vaazhnthathum unnaalae / Nilai thaazhnthathum unnaalae”
The second consonant sound matches between adjacent lines, creating a rhythmic harmony (e.g., 'vaazhnthathum' and 'thaazhnthathum').
Monai (Initial-letter alliteration)
“Vinveli methae vennilavai nee / Vilangavum vaiththaayae”
The starting letter 'Vi' is repeated across words in the same line, producing visual and phonetic symmetry.
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Vaazhvenum odam aadidum velaiyil / Moolgavum seithaayae”
Life is metaphorically described as a swaying boat ('Vaazhvenum odam') navigating through tumultuous waters.
Uvamaani (Simile)
“Iru kangalai kaakkum imaigalai polae / Kaaththiruppen maganae”
The singer compares her protective maternal instinct to eyelids safeguarding the eyes ('imaigalai polae').
Did you know?
Trivia
Vidivelli (1960) featured music composed by A. M. Rajah with lyrics written by Kannadasan. The song beautifully showcases Kannadasan's signature style of blending personal grief with profound philosophical reflection.
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