- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Periya Idathu Penn
- Movie release year
- 1963
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Feb 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Paarappa Pazhaniappa is a humorous and satirical folk-style song from the 1963 Tamil film Periya Idathu Penn. Written from the point of view of a rustic villager observing city life, the song presents a sharp contrast between the grandeur of urban modernization and the perceived lack of true warmth and moral depth among city dwellers. The singer comments on how cities may boast large structures and material riches, yet suffer from small-heartedness and shallow human connections. Through clever lyrical observation, lyricist Kannadasan contrasts transient urban romance with enduring rural devotion, while commenting lightheartedly on social changes, modern education, and financial volatility. The central message emphasizes that superficial education and material wealth mean little if one lacks practical wisdom and a generous heart.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis / Refrain
“Oorappa periyathappa / Ullamthaan siriyathappa”
Contrasts the physical size of the city ('Oorappa periyathappa') with the narrowness of human hearts ('Ullamthaan siriyathappa') to deliver a social commentary.
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Pattanathu kaadhalappa / Pattikkattu kaadhalukku”
The second consonant 'tta' (ட்ட) rhymes across lines ('Pattanathu' and 'Pattikkattu'), producing a rhythmic lyrical flow characteristic of Tamil poetry.
Irony / Juxtaposition
“Naatukkuthaan raaniappa / Veettukku ava manaiviappa”
Juxtaposes high social standing ('queen to the country') against basic domestic reality ('wife at home') to gently mock superficial urban pretense.
Did you know?
Trivia
Periya Idathu Penn (1963) stars M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and B. Saroja Devi. The film's musical score was composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy, and this track was sung by T. M. Soundararajan (TMS) with lyrics penned by Kannadasan. The song remains a classic example of MGR's signature folk-social commentary tracks.
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