- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Manidharil Manikkam
- Movie release year
- 1973
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Nov 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a lively and philosophical street performance track delivered through the lens of a performer addressing his trained monkeys, named Ramaiya and Somaiya. Through playful banter and upbeat rhythm, the protagonist conveys timeless moral principles about self-reliance, hard work, and living within one's means without depending on others for survival. Beneath its lighthearted facade, the lyricist Vaali embeds sharp social critique and satire regarding human nature. By drawing evolutionary parallels between monkeys and humans, the song reflects on how human morality has regressed, arguing that animal nature is predictable while human deceit and selfishness make man far worse than monkeys.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Proverb / Idiom (Pazhamozhi)
“Namma viralukeththa veekkam venum purinjukko”
Uses the popular Tamil proverb ('Viraluketha veekkam') which metaphorically warns people to live within their means (the swelling should not exceed the finger's size).
Ethugai (Second-letter rhyme)
“Manna nambi maramirukku ramaiyaa / Inga unna nambi naanirukken amaaiyaa”
The second letters of 'Manna' (ன்) and 'Unna' (ன்) rhyme, creating a harmonious cadence in the couplet.
Iyaipu (End rhyme)
“ramaiyaa / somaiyaa / amaaiyaa”
The line endings repeatedly use the '-aiyaa' sound to maintain rhythmic flow throughout the song.
Satire / Irony
“Koranga vida kevalam manushan puththi”
Employs irony by comparing human intellect unfavorably against animal behavior, highlighting human hypocrisy.
Did you know?
Trivia
In Tamil cinema, street-performer songs featuring trained monkeys (often named Ramaiya and Somaiya) are a classic device used by lyricists to deliver deep philosophical messages disguised as playful entertainment. Composer M. S. Viswanathan utilized energetic folk beats coupled with T. M. Soundararajan's dynamic vocal modulation to give the track its iconic street-play feel.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Manidharil Manikkam
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.