- Lyricist
- Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
- Singer
- C. S. Jayaraman
- Music director
- T. G. Lingappa
- Movie name
- Ellorum Innaattu Mannar
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Aug 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This deeply philosophical Tamil song written by Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram reflects on the transience of human existence and the inexorable force of fate. It describes how affection, beauty, and hope are nurtured in tender young minds, only for cruel destiny to strike like a vengeful adversary, shattering all human aspirations into pieces. Countless souls enter and leave this world continuously while time races forward without stopping. Through evocative imagery of light bringing blooms that eventually wither under the same sun, the song highlights the cycle of joy followed immediately by darkness, emphasizing the impermanent nature of life and human desire.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamai)
“Vanjam theerkkum ethiri polae / Manidharai vidhiyum vaattudhae…”
Compares fate's cruel actions on humans to an enemy carrying out a vengeful grudge.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Kaala radhamum odudhae”
Metaphorically depicts time as a fast-moving chariot.
Adukku Thodar (Repetition)
“Kodi kodi uyirgal vandhu / Odi odi poguthae”
Words like 'kodi kodi' (crores and crores), 'odi odi' (running running), and 'thundu thundaai' (piece by piece) are repeated for dramatic rhythm and emphasis.
Antithesis (Ethir-chol)
“Oliyai kandu ullam magizhndhaal / Udanae irulum moodudhae”
Contrasts light (oli) and darkness (irul) to show how happiness is instantly followed by sorrow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Ellorum Innaattu Mannar (1960) starring Gemini Ganesan and B. Saroja Devi features music composed by T. G. Lingappa, with lyrics written by the celebrated populist poet Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram.
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