- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Soolam
- Movie release year
- 1980
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Sept 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This folk-style duet/soliloquy captures a playful, teasing, yet assertive confrontation between a rural woman and her partner. She contrasts his fair complexion with her dark skin and addresses the town's persistent gossip about their relationship. She warns him against abandoning her or trying to escape to far-off places like Rangoon, declaring that she will pursue him wherever he goes.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis (Contrast)
“Nee sigappu naan karuppu”
The contrast between fair complexion ('sigappu') and dark complexion ('karuppu') is used repeatedly to highlight perceived social differences and town gossip.
Metaphor
“Oorukaai naanaa raasaa / Killura keeraiyinnu”
Comparing herself to 'oorukaai' (pickle) or 'killura keerai' (pluckable spinach) highlights how she refuses to be treated as a trivial side dish or easily taken for granted.
Rhyme / Alliteration (Ethukai)
“Nee sigappu naan karuppu / Oorellam oomalippu”
The second letter rhyme ('sigappu' / 'oomalippu') provides a rhythmic folk cadence typical of rural Tamil songs.
Did you know?
Trivia
The mention of 'Rangoon' (Yangon, Myanmar) reflects the historic migration of Tamil laborers and traders to Burma during the 19th and mid-20th centuries, which frequently featured in traditional South Tamil folk songs as a symbol of far-off exile.
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