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Lyrics & meaning

Oonjal Aadiya Ullangal

From Deviyin Thirumanam · 1977

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Deviyin Thirumanam1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Oonjal aadiya ullangal ellaamAll the hearts that once swung joyfully
Oosalaaduthu srirama ramaAre now wavering in uncertainty, Oh Lord Rama
Oru chittukkuruvi siraginai viriththuA little sparrow spreading its wings
Uyara parakkuthoi srirama ramaIs flying high into the sky, Oh Lord Rama
Female
Nettrikku nee rajaYesterday you were the king
Indraikku avan rajaToday he is the king
Maaruthu magudangal sri rama ramaCrowns keep changing hands, Oh Lord Rama
Maaruthu magudangal sri rama ramaCrowns keep changing hands, Oh Lord Rama
Female
Oonjal aadiya ullangal ellaamAll the hearts that once swung joyfully
Oosalaaduthu srirama ramaAre now wavering in uncertainty, Oh Lord Rama
Male
Sangili pungili kadhava theraSangili Pungili, open the door!
Chorus :Naan maattean vengai puliChorus: I won't open, I'm a ferocious tiger!
Male :Aattukuttiya kandeengalaaMale: Did you see the little lamb?
Chorus :KandomChorus: Yes, we saw it!
Male :EngaeMale: Where?
Chorus :VeettukkullaeChorus: Inside the house!
Male :Kadhava theraMale: Open the door!
Chorus :Therakka maattom….Chorus: We won't open it!
Female
Beeman thiramai pathinaalaanduFor fourteen years, Bhima's true strength
Dhuriyan arinthathillaiDuryodhana failed to realize
Ariyaa nilaiyil kadaisi varaiyilIn that state of ignorance till the very end
Bharatham mudinthathillaiThe epic Mahabharata never concluded peacefully
Female
Poonaiyil puli pallu poovilum oru mulluA tiger's teeth inside a cat, a thorn inside a flower
Poonaiyil puli pallu poovilum oru mulluA tiger's teeth inside a cat, a thorn inside a flower
Kaalaththin naadagam srirama ramaThis is time's grand play, Oh Lord Rama
Kaalaththin naadagam srirama ramaThis is time's grand play, Oh Lord Rama
Male
Sangili pungili kadhava theraSangili Pungili, open the door!
Chorus :Naan maattean vengai puliChorus: I won't open, I'm a ferocious tiger!
Male :Aattukuttiya kandeengalaaMale: Did you see the little lamb?
Chorus :KandomChorus: Yes, we saw it!
Male :EngaeMale: Where?
Chorus :VeettukkullaeChorus: Inside the house!
Male :Kadhava theraMale: Open the door!
Chorus :Therakka maattom….Chorus: We won't open it!
Female
Seiyum thozhilae deivamWork is worship
Endru searnthavan pangaaliOne who joins with this belief is a true partner
Searntha pinnaalae thavrugalIf he commits wrongs after joining
Searththaal avanae pagaiyaaliAnd accumulates sins, he becomes an enemy
Female
Vaalukku palam vanthaalIf the tail gains too much strength
Thalaiyaiyae patham paarkkumIt will attempt to strike the head itself
Needhikku bayamethu srirama ramaWhat fear does justice have, Oh Lord Rama?
Needhikku bayamethu srirama ramaWhat fear does justice have, Oh Lord Rama?
Female
Oonjal aadiya ullangal ellaamAll the hearts that once swung joyfully
Oosalaaduthu srirama ramaAre now wavering in uncertainty, Oh Lord Rama
Oru chittukkuruvi siraginai viriththuA little sparrow spreading its wings
Uyara parakkuthoi srirama ramaIs flying high into the sky, Oh Lord Rama
Male
Sangili pungili kadhava theraSangili Pungili, open the door!
Chorus :Naan maattean vengai puliChorus: I won't open, I'm a ferocious tiger!
Male :Aattukuttiya kandeengalaaMale: Did you see the little lamb?
Chorus :KandomChorus: Yes, we saw it!
Male :EngaeMale: Where?
Chorus :VeettukkullaeChorus: Inside the house!
Male :Kadhava theraMale: Open the door!
Chorus :Therakka maattom….Chorus: We won't open it!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song from 'Deviyin Thirumanam' (1977) offers a profound commentary on the transience of power, human relationships, and the deceptive nature of life. Composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Vaali and sung by P. Susheela, the song interweaves deep philosophical reflections with the rhythm of a traditional Tamil children's game, 'Sangili Pungili'. Through vivid imagery and classical references—such as Duryodhana's underestimation of Bhima in the Mahabharata—the song highlights how worldly titles and fortunes are temporary ('Yesterday you were king, today he is'). It warns against deceitful companions ('a tiger's teeth in a cat') and rebellious subordinates ('if the tail grows stronger, it strikes the head'), while ultimately affirming that justice and righteous action carry no fear.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Oonjal aadiya ullangal ellaam / Oosalaaduthu srirama rama

The initial vowel sound 'Oo' / 'U' creates an alliterative rhythm connecting the swinging joy to the wavering mind.

Muran (Antithesis / Contrast)

Nettrikku nee raja / Indraikku avan raja

Contrasts yesterday ('Nettrikku') and today ('Indraikku') to highlight the temporary nature of power and titles.

Metaphor

Poonaiyil puli pallu poovilum oru mullu

Metaphorically describes hidden hostility and hidden danger using the imagery of a cat possessing a tiger's teeth and a flower hiding a thorn.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Endru searnthavan pangaali / Searththaal avanae pagaiyaali

The words 'pangaali' (partner) and 'pagaiyaali' (enemy) rhyme at the end of lines 36 and 38, emphasizing the reversal of relationships.

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Trivia

The song creatively incorporates lines from 'Sangili Pungili Kadhava Thera', a popular traditional outdoor game played by Tamil children. Lyricist Vaali used this folk game narrative as a dramatic contrast to the philosophical theme of the song, illustrating how adult life and politics often mimic childhood games of pursuit, evasion, and changing roles.

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