- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Thaai Sollai Thattadhe
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 20 Oct 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song expresses the deep pangs of yearning and insomnia caused by love and separation. The protagonist points out how all of nature—flowers, wind, forests, deer, and peacocks—has surrendered to peaceful sleep during the night. However, only the sleepless moon, the protagonist's eyes, and their restless mind remain wide awake. The lyrics highlight the emotional torment where even the soft southern breeze feels like a harsh force consuming the protagonist's physical and mental strength.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora and Contrast
“Poo urangudhu... Naan urangavillai”
The persistent refrain comparing elements of nature that are sleeping ('urangudhu') against the protagonist and the moon who remain awake ('urangavillai') emphasizes loneliness and distress.
Mōnai (Initial Alliteration)
“Maan urangudhu / Mayilum uranghudhu / Manam urangavillai”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds across successive lines (Maan / Mayil / Manam) creates a rhythmic melancholic flow.
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Vazhi urangudhu / Mozhiyum urangudhu / Vizhi urangavillai”
Matching second consonants across lines (Vazhi / Mozhi / Vizhi) enhances lyrical cohesion.
Did you know?
Trivia
From the 1961 Tamil hit movie 'Thaai Sollai Thattadhe' starring M. G. Ramachandran and Saroja Devi, this iconic song features lyrics by Kaviarasu Kannadasan set to music composed by K. V. Mahadevan.
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