- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- V. Dakshinamurthy
- Movie name
- Pangaligal
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Nov 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song from Pangaligal reflects the sorrow of severed familial bonds, economic downfall, and unconditional maternal devotion. The speaker laments how sweet relationships have turned bitter due to pride and changing fortunes, emphasizing that neither money nor status brings genuine happiness when family ties break. Despite the tragic downfall of the once-wealthy who disregarded hardworking people, the mother figure vows to stand by her loved ones and live for them even in their darkest hours. Kannadasan eloquently highlights human impermanence and maternal sacrifice through these emotive lyrics.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Nizhal pola thodarnthomada”
Compares the inseparable bond between mother and child to a shadow following a person.
Antithesis / Contrast (Muran)
“Uravaaga irundhoor pagaiyaana pinnae / Pagaiyaana koottam uravaana pinnae”
Contrasts relatives turning into enemies with enemies becoming relatives to show the unpredictable nature of worldly relationships.
Rhetorical Question
“Panam yedhu sugam yedhada”
Asks a rhetorical question emphasizing that wealth holds no value when peace of mind and affection are lost.
Repetition / Anaphora
“Avarkaaga vaazhvenada”
Repetition of 'Avarkaaga vaazhvenada' reinforces the resolute determination of selflessness and sacrifice.
Did you know?
Trivia
Pangaligal (1961), starring Gemini Ganesan and M. R. Radha, features music by veteran composer V. Dakshinamurthy. Kannadasan's philosophical lyricism brilliantly captures Tamil culture's deep value for maternal bonds and social critique of material pride.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Pangaligal
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.