- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- M. S. Rajeswari
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Kavitha
- Movie release year
- 1962
- Lyrics added on
- 30 May 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song expresses deep existential despair, loneliness, and the feeling of utter alienation. The singer uses powerful metaphors of abundance alongside emptiness: despite living in a town, having relatives, standing by a river, or possessing nectar, everything lacks true essence, warmth, or purpose. The lyrics emphasize that despite external appearances of having everything, one can still feel completely destitute and lost due to an inescapable fate divine destiny.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Paradox (Ethir-marai)
“Aar irunthum neerillai / Amuthirunthum inimaiyillai”
Contradictory pairs are used in every stanza to highlight existential emptiness despite material presence, such as having a river without water or nectar without sweetness.
Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Oorirunthum / Uravirundhum”
The second consonant sound 'r' (ீர் / ர்) is harmoniously repeated in consecutive lines.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Poovirunthum vaasam illai / Pon irunthum minnavillai”
Matching initial consonant sounds create rhythmic floral imagery.
Did you know?
Trivia
This philosophical track from the 1962 film Kavitha showcases the expressive vocal quality of M. S. Rajeswari, who was widely acclaimed for delivering emotional pathos. Lyricist A. Maruthakasi crafted these iconic lines contrasting external existence with inner void, making it one of the most memorable reflective Tamil film songs of the 1960s.
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