- Lyricist
- Papanasam Sivan
- Singer
- P. U. Chinnappa
- Music directors
- G. Ramanathan, C. R. Subbaraman
- Movie name
- Rathna Kumar
- Movie release year
- 1949
- Lyrics added on
- 13 May 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song from Rathna Kumar (1949) encourages perseverance, inner strength, and hope in the face of life's unpredictable nature. Comparing the world to a spinning top, the lyricist Papanasam Sivan advises the listener not to be dismayed by constant shifts and hardship. Even a dark, ruined place haunted by screeching owls can be transformed into a prosperous home blessed by Goddess Lakshmi (Alaimagal) through effort and faith. Ultimately, the song urges self-reliance and ambition, reminding us that with willpower one can conquer the world rather than living a life of helpless begging.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uwamai)
“Pambaram polae suzhalumivvulagam”
Compares the continuous motion and volatility of the world (ivvulagam) to a spinning top (pambaram polae).
Contrast / Imagery
“Aandhaiyum koogaiyum alaridum paazhidam / Alaimagal iruppidam aagaadho…”
Juxtaposes a desolate owl-infested ruin (paazhidam) with the divine abode of wealth and prosperity (Alaimagal iruppidam) to signify transformation.
Ethirai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Ichai kondaal ulagaezhaiyum aalalaam / Pichai kaiyaendhi nidham nadandhalaiyaadhae”
The second consonant sound match 'ch' in 'Ichai' and 'Pichai' creates a poetic rhyme structure across lines.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Pambaram polae suzhalumivvulagam / Paarthu manam marundu odaadhae”
Repetition of the 'P' sound at the beginning of words 'Pambaram' and 'Paarthu'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Rathna Kumar (1949) starred P. U. Chinnappa and M. G. Ramachandran. The lyrics were written by the legendary Carnatic music composer and lyricist Papanasam Sivan, known for introducing profound Vedantic philosophy into Tamil film songs.
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