- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Raman Ethanai Ramanadi
- Movie release year
- 1970
- Lyrics added on
- 15 Dec 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from Raman Ethanai Ramanadi explores profound philosophical themes about human moral degradation, societal change, and intangible truths. Poet Kannadasan uses rhetorical questions and metaphors—such as asking if a moon can sing or a statue can dance—to reflect on how society is losing its traditional virtues and restraint in the pursuit of temporary pleasures.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Muran (Antithesis / Contrast)
“Thalai kunindha pengalum / Thalai nimirndha aangalum”
Contrasts 'thalai kunindha' (head bowed down) with 'thalai nimirndha' (head held high) to highlight social roles and gender dynamics.
Rhetorical Question & Metaphor
“Nilavu vandhu paadumo / Silai ezhundhu aadumo”
Asks impossible questions about the moon singing or a statue dancing to symbolize unnatural changes in human character and society.
Ethugai (Second Letter Assonance)
“Oomai kanda kanavaiyum / Karuvil ulla mazhalaiyum”
The second consonant 'ma' / 'ra' sound pattern creates poetic rhythm across comparative couplets.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by the iconic Kannadasan, 'Nilavu vandhu paadumo' is a reflective track from the 1970 Sivaji Ganesan starrer 'Raman Ethanai Ramanadi'. The song features profound philosophical observations disguised in graceful rhythmic lyricism typical of Kannadasan's masterpiece era.
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