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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Panam Kaasu

From Kann Thiranthadhu · 1959

Lyricist
V. Seetharaman
Singers
P. Susheela, S. Janaki
Music director
T. R. Rajagopal
Details
Kann Thiranthadhu1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Humming[Melodious humming]
Female
Panam kaasuMoney and wealth
Panam kaasu padaichaaleIf a person possesses money and wealth
Manushan ninaichaaleIf a human being just desires or thinks
Edhaiyum vilaipesi vaanghalameThey can bargain and buy anything at all
Female
Haei ulagam vanangumadiHey, the world bows down in respect
Paname ullavan deivamadiThe one who possesses money is treated like a god
Female
Panam kaasuMoney and wealth
Panam kaasu padaichaaleIf a person possesses money and wealth
Manushan ninaichaaleIf a human being just desires or thinks
Edhaiyum vilaipesi vaanghalameThey can bargain and buy anything at all
Female
Haei ulagam vanangumadiHey, the world bows down in respect
Paname ullavan deivamadiThe one who possesses money is treated like a god
Female
Arupadhu vayasilum ilamaiYouthfulness even at the age of sixty
Panathaale varumadiComes solely through the power of money
Female
Haa..aa..aa.Haa..aa..aa.
Annanum thambhiyum jenma vairigalaaiMaking brothers become mortal enemies
Aakki veikkum adhan gunamadiIs its inherent nature
Female
Palakatchi attangalumVarious political plays and games
Kakkaa kottangalumCrows and sycophantic flatteries
Pasaiyulla maharaajan kaikkullaeAre held within the hands of the wealthy king
Female
Ullaasa ulagil urundoodi pogumRolling along in a world of pleasure
Paisaave jeevanaadiMoney is the very lifeline
Female
Haei ulagam vanangumadiHey, the world bows down in respect
Paname ullavan deivamadiThe one who possesses money is treated like a god
Panam kaasuMoney and wealth
Panam kaasu padaichaaleIf a person possesses money and wealth
Manushan ninaichaaleIf a human being just desires or thinks
Edhaiyum vilaipesi vaanghalameThey can bargain and buy anything at all
Ulagam vanangumadiThe world bows down in respect
Paname ullavan deivamadi…hoiThe one who possesses money is treated like a god... hoi

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Panam Kaasu' from Kann Thiranthadhu (1959) offers a sharp philosophical critique on the omnipresence and corrupting power of wealth in human society. Written by V. Seetharaman, the lyrics highlight how money gives a person the authority to buy anything they desire, earning them divine-like worship from a materialist world. It humorously notes that money can grant the illusion of youth even to a sixty-year-old, yet paradoxically destroys familial bonds by turning brothers into bitter enemies.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Panam kaasu padaichaale

Repetition of the initial 'Pa' sound creates rhythm and emphasis on wealth.

Hyperbole (Exaggeration)

Arupadhu vayasilum ilamai Panathaale varumadi

Exaggerates money's capability to restore youth to a sixty-year-old person.

Metaphor

Paisaave jeevanaadi

Compares money directly to the 'jeevanaadi' (lifeline/pulse) of human existence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kann Thiranthadhu (1959) features music by T. R. Rajagopal and brings together two legendary female playback singers, P. Susheela and S. Janaki, in a rare collaborative duet that delivers social commentary through lively rhythm.

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