- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- Maragadha Mani
- Movie name
- Vaaname Ellai
- Movie release year
- 1992
- Lyrics added on
- 13 Feb 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from the 1992 film 'Vaaname Ellai' is a moving lullaby sung to an abandoned infant by young adults who are themselves struggling with pain, isolation, and existential crises. Vairamuthu's lyrics draw a philosophical parallel between the orphaned child and God—neither possesses an earthly mother, father, or caste. The infant represents a pure, unblemished 'New Indian' who exists without the divisions of religion, caste, or language. Through tender imagery and introspective questions, the song explores the duality of joy and sorrow. Though the characters are burdened by their own tragic circumstances, holding and caring for the baby gives them a renewed sense of purpose and comfort. The infant's innocent presence serves as a turning point, reminding them of humanity, resilience, and hope amidst despair.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Nee andavana / Thaai thandhai thaan unakillaiyae”
Compares the orphaned infant directly to God, as both lack human parents and caste divisions, highlighting the child's divinity and purity.
Visual Imagery
“Idhazhoram aayiram / Siru pookal pookiraai”
Evokes a vivid image of a baby's innocent smile appearing like flowers blossoming at the corner of its lips.
Rhetorical Question
“Mul enbadho rojavil / Urava pagaya”
Ponders the nature of pain and existence by questioning if a thorn on a rose is a friend or foe, reflecting on the infant's complex role in their troubled lives.
Personification
“Kalaigindra megangal... Vaan veliyai thaalatudhae”
Personifies nature by describing clouds gathering to sing a lullaby to the sky, and waning moons singing to the sun.
Emonai / Alliteration
“Kaalam seidha kolam / Kanneerodu vandhu”
Repetition of consonant sounds across lines creating melodic harmony (e.g., 'Kaalam' and 'Kanneer').
Did you know?
Trivia
'Vaaname Ellai' (1992) was written and directed by K. Balachander and featured music composed by Maragathamani (M. M. Keeravani). The story revolves around five youths who decide to end their lives but take a pact to live life to the fullest for a year first. Finding this abandoned baby serves as a crucial emotional pivot in the narrative, altering their perspectives on life, suffering, and responsibility.
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