- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
- Movie name
- Paarthaal Pasi Theerum
- Movie release year
- 1962
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Apr 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from the 1962 Tamil movie 'Paarthaal Pasi Theerum' deals with themes of divine justice, human shortcomings, and universal parenthood. Written by the famed lyricist Kannadasan, the song argues that while human parents may falter, forget their responsibilities, or abandon their loved ones, the Supreme Divine never abandons anyone. God acts as an impartial, all-loving father who provides solace to everyone regardless of earthly abandonment. Furthermore, the song draws a philosophical contrast between material wealth and spiritual richness. While the affluent possess physical riches, the poor and needy often possess generous, empathetic hearts. God inherently seeks out those who suffer and lack worldly comfort, bringing them grace and refuge when human support fails.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis (Muran Thodai)
“Ullorkku selvangal sondham / Adhu illaarkku ullangal sondham”
Contrasts those who possess material wealth ('Ullorkku selvangal') with those who have nothing material but possess rich hearts ('Illaarkku ullangal').
Rhetorical Question
“Nee oruvanai nambi vandhaaiyo / Illai iraivanai nambi vandhaaiyo”
Prompts deep introspective thought on whether one should rely on mortal human beings or place ultimate faith in the Almighty.
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Pillaikku thandhai oruvan / Namm ellorukkum thandhai iraivan”
Utilizes rhythmic Tamil poetic rhyming on the second consonant (l) between 'Pillaikku' and 'ellorukkum'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by the legendary music duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy for the hit film 'Paarthaal Pasi Theerum' (1962), the song features iconic renditions by P. Susheela and T. M. Soundararajan. The film boasted an ensemble star cast including Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savitri, and B. Saroja Devi, with Kannadasan's lyrics serving as the emotional and philosophical backbone of the narrative.
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