- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Dheepam
- Movie release year
- 1977
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Oct 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant song expresses profound sorrow, emotional turmoil, and the agony of unspoken pain within familial relationships. The speaker addresses someone forced into silence—a person with speech who is compelled to act mute due to agonizing circumstances. The lyrics reflect the inner conflict between upholding a given promise and living through unbearable hardship, comparing the speaker's life to a fragile lamp lit amidst a raging storm.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Naan ingu dheepam unakkenna kobam / Puyal endra kaatril yetri vaithaai”
Comparing oneself to a lamp lit in a tempestuous storm ('Naan ingu dheepam... Puyal endra kaatril yetri vaithaai') highlights extreme vulnerability and suffering.
Paradox / Oxymoron
“Pesaadhae vaayulla oomai nee”
Describing someone as a 'mute who possesses a mouth/voice' ('Vaayulla oomai') conveys forced silence despite having the ability to speak.
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Nee thandha vaazhkaikkum / Naan thandha vaarthaikkum”
Rhyming of the second consonant sound across consecutive lines ('vaazhkaikkum' and 'vaarthaikkum').
Imagery
“Kannukku imai ellaam mullaagi varum podhu”
The image of protective eyelids turning into sharp thorns ('Kannukku imai ellaam mullaagi varum podhu') symbolizes loved ones becoming the source of betrayal and hurt.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Dheepam' (1977) featured music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with iconic vocal renditions by K. J. Yesudas and lyrics by poet Pulamaipithan. The movie was a remake of the Malayalam hit 'Theekkanal' and prominently highlighted themes of sacrifice and familial obligations.
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