- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Alaigal
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Apr 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
In 'Oomai Pennai Pesa Sonnaal', the protagonist voices her profound distress and feelings of helplessness in a relationship plagued by misunderstanding and mistrust. Comparing herself to a mute woman forced to defend herself, she constantly questions whether her plight is a harsh reality or a bad dream. She recounts her simple wish for security and happiness—likening herself to a caged bird seeking protection—only to find her hopes shattered.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamaani)
“Koondu kili pola vaazha ninaiththaen”
Compares her desire for protection and a secure life to that of a parrot living safely inside a cage ('koondu kili pola').
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“Kannin theerthangal abhishegamaanaal”
Metaphorically equates tears ('kannin neer') to sacred temple water ('theertham') used for ritual bathing ('abhishegam').
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Idhu ninaivo verum kanavo”
Repetition of the rhyming end sound '-avo' across 'uravo' and 'kanavo' creates a musical, melancholic refrain.
Metaphor / Allegory
“Paalum silar kannil neeraga theriyum”
Uses the metaphor of milk appearing as plain water to describe cynicism and how flawed perception distorts goodness.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Oomai Pennai Pesa Sonnaal' is a classic track from the 1973 film Alaigal, directed by C. V. Sridhar. Featuring music composed by M. S. Viswanathan and lyrics by Kannadasan, the song is renowned for S. Janaki's emotive vocal performance, which captures the delicate pathos and quiet resilience of a woman facing emotional trauma.
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