- Lyricist
- Madhan Karky
- Singers
- Mano, Aravind Swamy
- Music director
- Hans Zimmer
- Movie name
- The Lion King
- Movie release year
- 2019
- Lyrics added on
- 10 Jul 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is the Tamil dub of Scar's villainous anthem 'Be Prepared' from Disney's 2019 live-action remake of The Lion King. Scar addresses the marginalized hyenas, questioning Mufasa's authority and promising them equality, endless food, and absolute freedom under his reign. He incites their anger and urges them to form an army to overthrow Mufasa. As the song builds up intensity, Scar outlines his grand ambition to seize the throne, rule the Pride Lands, and reign with eternal glory. The repetitive call to arms ('Poar Thodu' / Wage War) highlights Scar's cunning manipulation and the impending military coup against Mufasa.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Mufaasaa an naetrin pizhai / Kaanaamal pogindra alai / Vaanmuttum tholvigaloo malai / Avan or udhirum ilai”
The second letter 'lai/zhai' rhymes across consecutive lines: pizhai, alai, malai, ilai.
Hyperbole
“Vaanmuttum tholvigaloo malai”
Describing Mufasa's failures as a mountain that touches the sky exaggerates his shortcomings to persuade the hyenas.
Metaphor
“Avan or udhirum ilai”
Mufasa's waning authority is metaphorically described as a 'falling leaf' and a 'vanishing wave'.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Poar Thodu' is the Tamil adaptation of 'Be Prepared' from Disney's The Lion King (2019). Lyricist Madhan Karky adapted the original lyrics composed by Hans Zimmer and Elton John into Tamil, capturing Scar's dark, persuasive rhetoric.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from The Lion King
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.