- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Anbulla Malare
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Apr 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song is a humorous and reflective folk-style track from the film 'Anbulla Malare' (1984), featuring lyrics by Gangai Amaran. The singer humorously laments his chaotic life, comparing it to that of a street performer or clown ('koothaadi'). He reflects on themes of fidelity, marital respect, and temptation, warning against straying in relationships while acknowledging his spouse's true worth.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamai)
“Koothaadi pol aachu en pozhappae”
Compares the protagonist's chaotic lifestyle directly to that of a street dancer/actor ('koothaadi').
Synecdoche
“Saelaikkulla manasa vittadhaala”
Uses 'Saelai' (saree), a single item of clothing, to represent a woman.
Analogy / Metaphor
“Poo irundhaa manakkum indha naaru”
Uses the image of a plain string/fiber ('naaru') acquiring fragrance when bound with flowers ('poo') to denote how a person gains value through good companionship.
Antithesis / Irony
“Viradhangal irundhum sugamae illa / Sugam kettadhaala viradham illa”
Juxtaposes religious fasts ('viradham') and happiness ('sugam') to highlight the ironic futility of his penance.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by Gangai Amaran for the 1984 movie 'Anbulla Malare', this song makes clever use of popular Tamil proverbs and informal slang to deliver practical relationship advice wrapped in folk humor.
Keep listening
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