Pachai Vayal Pakkathile
From Enga Ooru Kannagi · 1981
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Details
- Enga Ooru Kannagi1981
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Oo….ooh….oohho….ooo….. | Oo… ooh… oohho… ooo… |
| Oo….ooh….oohho….ooo….. | Oo… ooh… oohho… ooo… |
| Female | |
| Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi | He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear. |
| Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa | What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma! |
| Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony? |
| Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this? |
| Female | |
| Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi | He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear. |
| Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa | What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma! |
| Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony? |
| Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this? |
| Female | |
| Aasaiyai nenjil vachu | He placed desire inside the human heart, |
| Thevaiyai vaazhvil vachchaan | He placed needs into human life, |
| Rendilum thollaiya vachchaan rengammaa | And he embedded trouble and misery in both, O Rengamma! |
| Intha rendukkum ellai undo sollammaa | Is there any boundary or limit to both? Tell me, my lady. |
| Rengammaa rendukkum ellai undo sollammaa | O Rengamma, tell me if there is a limit to both! |
| Female | |
| Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi | He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear. |
| Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa | What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma! |
| Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony? |
| Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this? |
| Female | |
| Angumingum alaiyum manithanin kangal | Human eyes wander endlessly here and there, |
| Alavillaamal oodum manithanin kaalgal | Human legs run endlessly without measure. |
| Angumingum alaiyum manithanin kangal | Human eyes wander endlessly here and there, |
| Alavillaamal oodum manithanin kaalgal | Human legs run endlessly without measure. |
| Female | |
| Avan thaeinthu pona nilavu | Man is like a waning moon, |
| Aanaal paarkka mattum azhagu | Yet he remains beautiful only to look at. |
| Avan thaeinthu pona nilavu | Man is like a waning moon, |
| Aanaal paarkka mattum azhagu | Yet he remains beautiful only to look at. |
| Female | |
| Thaerirunthum dheivamillaa bhoomiyadi | This is a world with a grand temple chariot, but no deity inside, my dear! |
| Rengammaa dheivaththukkum kannillaatha neramadi | O Rengamma, this is a time when even God seems blind! |
| Female | |
| Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi | He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear. |
| Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa | What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma! |
| Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony? |
| Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this? |
| Female | |
| Kaainthu pogum vayalgal kodai vanthaal | Fields dry up when the harsh summer arrives, |
| Paainthu sellum vellam mazhaiyum vanthaal | Rushing floodwaters surge forth when rains fall. |
| Kaainthu pogum vayalgal kodai vanthaal | Fields dry up when the harsh summer arrives, |
| Paainthu sellum vellam mazhaiyum vanthaal | Rushing floodwaters surge forth when rains fall. |
| Female | |
| Idhu kaaladevan kadamai | This cycle is the duty of the God of Time, |
| Intha manitha vaazhvu kodumai | Yet human existence remains full of cruelty and pain. |
| Thaaimadiyil valarnthu vantha pillaiyadi | A child grew up comfortably in its mother's lap, my dear, |
| Rengammaa thaaikku mattum soru pottathillaiyadi | O Rengamma, but it failed to provide even a single meal to that mother! |
| Female | |
| Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi | He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear. |
| Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa | What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma! |
| Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony? |
| Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this? |
| Female | |
| Varumai enbathenna vayittrai kelu | If you want to know what poverty is, ask an empty stomach, |
| Porumai enbathenna manathai kelu | If you want to know what patience is, ask the aching heart. |
| Varumai enbathenna vayittrai kelu | If you want to know what poverty is, ask an empty stomach, |
| Porumai enbathenna manathai kelu | If you want to know what patience is, ask the aching heart. |
| Female | |
| Unarnthu paarkkumpothu | When you observe and reflect deeply, |
| Intha ulagam yaavum theriyum | The true nature of this entire world becomes clear. |
| Pasikkoru niramillai ennam undu | Hunger has no color or boundary, but human intent exists, |
| Adhai paarpatharkku thevaiyillai kannirandu | And to understand this truth, physical vision is not required. |
| Female | |
| Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi | He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear. |
| Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa | What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma! |
| Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony? |
| Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa | O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this? |
ஓ.....ஓஹ்.....ஓஹ்ஹோ.....ஓஒ.....
ஓ.....ஓஹ்.....ஓஹ்ஹோ.....ஓஒ.....
Oo… ooh… oohho… ooo…
Oo… ooh… oohho… ooo…
பச்சை வயல் பக்கத்திலே பட்ட மரம் வச்சானடி
என்ன அவன் லீலையடி ரெங்கம்மா
இதை பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
ரெங்கம்மா பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
பச்சை வயல் பக்கத்திலே பட்ட மரம் வச்சானடி
என்ன அவன் லீலையடி ரெங்கம்மா
இதை பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
ரெங்கம்மா பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
ஆசையை நெஞ்சில் வச்சு
தேவையை வாழ்வில் வச்சான்
ரெண்டிலும் தொல்லைய வச்சான் ரெங்கம்மா
இந்த ரெண்டுக்கும் எல்லை உண்டோ சொல்லம்மா
ரெங்கம்மா ரெண்டுக்கும் எல்லை உண்டோ சொல்லம்மா
He placed desire inside the human heart,
He placed needs into human life,
And he embedded trouble and misery in both, O Rengamma!
Is there any boundary or limit to both? Tell me, my lady.
O Rengamma, tell me if there is a limit to both!
பச்சை வயல் பக்கத்திலே பட்ட மரம் வச்சானடி
என்ன அவன் லீலையடி ரெங்கம்மா
இதை பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
ரெங்கம்மா பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
அங்குமிங்கும் அலையும் மனிதனின் கண்கள்
அளவில்லாமல் ஓடும் மனிதனின் கால்கள்
அங்குமிங்கும் அலையும் மனிதனின் கண்கள்
அளவில்லாமல் ஓடும் மனிதனின் கால்கள்
Human eyes wander endlessly here and there,
Human legs run endlessly without measure.
Human eyes wander endlessly here and there,
Human legs run endlessly without measure.
அவன் தேய்ந்து போன நிலவு
ஆனால் பார்க்க மட்டும் அழகு
அவன் தேய்ந்து போன நிலவு
ஆனால் பார்க்க மட்டும் அழகு
Man is like a waning moon,
Yet he remains beautiful only to look at.
Man is like a waning moon,
Yet he remains beautiful only to look at.
தேரிருந்தும் தெய்வமில்லா பூமியடி
ரெங்கம்மா தெய்வத்துக்கும் கண்ணில்லாத நேரமடி
This is a world with a grand temple chariot, but no deity inside, my dear!
O Rengamma, this is a time when even God seems blind!
பச்சை வயல் பக்கத்திலே பட்ட மரம் வச்சானடி
என்ன அவன் லீலையடி ரெங்கம்மா
இதை பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
ரெங்கம்மா பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
காய்ந்து போகும் வயல்கள் கோடை வந்தால்
பாய்ந்து செல்லும் வெள்ளம் மழையும் வந்தால்
காய்ந்து போகும் வயல்கள் கோடை வந்தால்
பாய்ந்து செல்லும் வெள்ளம் மழையும் வந்தால்
Fields dry up when the harsh summer arrives,
Rushing floodwaters surge forth when rains fall.
Fields dry up when the harsh summer arrives,
Rushing floodwaters surge forth when rains fall.
இது காலதேவன் கடமை
இந்த மனித வாழ்வு கொடுமை
தாய்மடியில் வளர்ந்து வந்த பிள்ளையடி
ரெங்கம்மா தாய்க்கு மட்டும் சோறு போட்டதில்லையடி
This cycle is the duty of the God of Time,
Yet human existence remains full of cruelty and pain.
A child grew up comfortably in its mother's lap, my dear,
O Rengamma, but it failed to provide even a single meal to that mother!
பச்சை வயல் பக்கத்திலே பட்ட மரம் வச்சானடி
என்ன அவன் லீலையடி ரெங்கம்மா
இதை பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
ரெங்கம்மா பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
வறுமை என்பதென்ன வயிற்றைக் கேளு
பொறுமை என்பதென்ன மனதை கேளு
வறுமை என்பதென்ன வயிற்றைக் கேளு
பொறுமை என்பதென்ன மனதை கேளு
If you want to know what poverty is, ask an empty stomach,
If you want to know what patience is, ask the aching heart.
If you want to know what poverty is, ask an empty stomach,
If you want to know what patience is, ask the aching heart.
உணர்ந்து பார்க்கும்போது
இந்த உலகம் யாவும் தெரியும்
பசிக்கொரு நிறமுமில்லை எண்ணம் உண்டு
அதைப் பார்ப்பதற்கு தேவையில்லை கண்ணிரண்டு
When you observe and reflect deeply,
The true nature of this entire world becomes clear.
Hunger has no color or boundary, but human intent exists,
And to understand this truth, physical vision is not required.
பச்சை வயல் பக்கத்திலே பட்ட மரம் வச்சானடி
என்ன அவன் லீலையடி ரெங்கம்மா
இதை பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
ரெங்கம்மா பார்ப்பதற்கு கண்ணு ரெண்டு வேணுமா
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
Oo….ooh….oohho….ooo…..
Oo… ooh… oohho… ooo…
Oo….ooh….oohho….ooo…..
Oo… ooh… oohho… ooo…
Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
Aasaiyai nenjil vachu
He placed desire inside the human heart,
Thevaiyai vaazhvil vachchaan
He placed needs into human life,
Rendilum thollaiya vachchaan rengammaa
And he embedded trouble and misery in both, O Rengamma!
Intha rendukkum ellai undo sollammaa
Is there any boundary or limit to both? Tell me, my lady.
Rengammaa rendukkum ellai undo sollammaa
O Rengamma, tell me if there is a limit to both!
Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
Angumingum alaiyum manithanin kangal
Human eyes wander endlessly here and there,
Alavillaamal oodum manithanin kaalgal
Human legs run endlessly without measure.
Angumingum alaiyum manithanin kangal
Human eyes wander endlessly here and there,
Alavillaamal oodum manithanin kaalgal
Human legs run endlessly without measure.
Avan thaeinthu pona nilavu
Man is like a waning moon,
Aanaal paarkka mattum azhagu
Yet he remains beautiful only to look at.
Avan thaeinthu pona nilavu
Man is like a waning moon,
Aanaal paarkka mattum azhagu
Yet he remains beautiful only to look at.
Thaerirunthum dheivamillaa bhoomiyadi
This is a world with a grand temple chariot, but no deity inside, my dear!
Rengammaa dheivaththukkum kannillaatha neramadi
O Rengamma, this is a time when even God seems blind!
Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
Kaainthu pogum vayalgal kodai vanthaal
Fields dry up when the harsh summer arrives,
Paainthu sellum vellam mazhaiyum vanthaal
Rushing floodwaters surge forth when rains fall.
Kaainthu pogum vayalgal kodai vanthaal
Fields dry up when the harsh summer arrives,
Paainthu sellum vellam mazhaiyum vanthaal
Rushing floodwaters surge forth when rains fall.
Idhu kaaladevan kadamai
This cycle is the duty of the God of Time,
Intha manitha vaazhvu kodumai
Yet human existence remains full of cruelty and pain.
Thaaimadiyil valarnthu vantha pillaiyadi
A child grew up comfortably in its mother's lap, my dear,
Rengammaa thaaikku mattum soru pottathillaiyadi
O Rengamma, but it failed to provide even a single meal to that mother!
Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
Varumai enbathenna vayittrai kelu
If you want to know what poverty is, ask an empty stomach,
Porumai enbathenna manathai kelu
If you want to know what patience is, ask the aching heart.
Varumai enbathenna vayittrai kelu
If you want to know what poverty is, ask an empty stomach,
Porumai enbathenna manathai kelu
If you want to know what patience is, ask the aching heart.
Unarnthu paarkkumpothu
When you observe and reflect deeply,
Intha ulagam yaavum theriyum
The true nature of this entire world becomes clear.
Pasikkoru niramillai ennam undu
Hunger has no color or boundary, but human intent exists,
Adhai paarpatharkku thevaiyillai kannirandu
And to understand this truth, physical vision is not required.
Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi
He placed a dead, withered tree right next to a lush green field, my dear.
Enna avan leelaiyadi rengammaa
What a strange divine play of his, O Rengamma!
Idhai paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
Do you really need two eyes to witness this irony?
Rengamma paarpadharkku kannu rendu venumaa
O Rengamma, do you need two eyes to see this?
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This classic philosophical song written by Kannadasan uses poignant metaphors of nature to reflect upon the paradoxes of human existence, divine indifference, and social hardship. The opening visual of a dead tree standing beside a thriving green field sets the tone for life's stark disparities—where wealth and extreme poverty, joy and profound sorrow co-exist side by side under God's mysterious creation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Juxtaposition / Metaphor
“Pachai vayal pakkaththilae patta maram vachchaanadi”
Contrasts 'pachai vayal' (fertile green field) with 'patta maram' (dead tree) to symbolize prosperity standing beside decay and misfortune.
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Avan thaeinthu pona nilavu”
Compares human life to a waning moon ('thaeinthu pona nilavu'), which steadily diminishes while retaining an outward illusion of grace.
Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme) & Parallelism
“Varumai enbathenna vayittrai kelu / Porumai enbathenna manathai kelu”
Uses matching second consonants ('Varumai' and 'Porumai') to structurally link poverty and patience.
Did you know?
Trivia
From the film 'Enga Ooru Kannagi' (1981), directed by K. Sornam with music composed by M. S. Viswanathan. Kannadasan's lyrics in this track showcase his signature folk-philosophical style, addressing a central character 'Rengamma' as a conversational sounding board for deep existential truths.
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