Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pambaram Polae

From Rathna Kumar · 1949

Lyricist
Papanasam Sivan
Singer
P. U. Chinnappa
Music directors
G. Ramanathan, C. R. Subbaraman
Details
Rathna Kumar1949

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Pambaram polae suzhalumivvulagamThis world spins like a top
Paarthu manam marundu odaadhaeSeeing it, do not be frightened and run away
Pambaram polae suzhalumivvulagamThis world spins like a top
Paarthu manam marundu odaadhaeSeeing it, do not be frightened and run away
Pambaram polae suzhalumivvulagamThis world spins like a top
Paarthu manam marundu odaadhaeSeeing it, do not be frightened and run away
Male
Aandhaiyum koogaiyumOwls and screech-owls
Alaridum paazhidam…mm…A desolate place where they cry out... mm...
Aa….aa…..aa….aa.a….aa….aa…Aa....aa.....aa....aa.a....aa....aa...
Aandhaiyum koogaiyum alaridum paazhidamA desolate place where owls and screech-owls cry out
Aandhaiyum koogaiyum alaridum paazhidamA desolate place where owls and screech-owls cry out
Alaimagal iruppidam aagaadho…Can it not become the dwelling place of Goddess Lakshmi?
Alaimagal iruppidam aagaadho…Can it not become the dwelling place of Goddess Lakshmi?
Ichai kondaal ulagaezhaiyum aalalaamIf you have strong determination, you can rule all seven worlds
Ichai kondaal ulagaezhaiyum aalalaam…If you have strong determination, you can rule all seven worlds...
Pichai kaiyaendhi nidham nadandhalaiyaadhaeDo not wander every day begging with outstretched hands
Pichai kaiyaendhi nidham nadandhalaiyaadhaeDo not wander every day begging with outstretched hands
Male
Pambaram polae suzhalumivvulagamThis world spins like a top
Paarthu manam marundu odaadhaeSeeing it, do not be frightened and run away

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

Keep listening

More from Rathna Kumar