- Lyricist
- Lyricist Not Known
- Singer
- Gangai Amaran
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum
- Movie release year
- 1983
- Lyrics added on
- 24 Oct 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a social critique and anthem of struggle from the 1983 Tamil film 'Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum'. It reflects the frustration of working-class people who have tirelessly fought for social justice and better living standards, only to find themselves stuck in persistent poverty and political neglect. The lyricist highlights the irony of a land rich in natural resources where common folk still suffer from hunger and lack of basic amenities. The song scathingly critiques political leaders who make promises before elections and disappear once elected. Through vivid imagery, such as the giver standing destitute while the receiver feasts, the song calls for political awakening and accountability among the masses while encouraging resilience that time and collective awareness will bring change.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Emonai (Assonance/Initial Rhyme)
“Manthirikku thanthi thanthirukkom mundhi”
Matching initial sounds across words, such as 'Manthirikku' and 'mundhi' or 'Therthalukku' and 'Thirumbi'.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Naalaigalae eppothum un kaiyilae / Kaasillaiyae ippothu un paiyilae”
Matching end sounds in lines, such as 'kaiyilae' and 'paiyilae'.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Vaanginavan panthiyila / Thanthavano santhiyila”
Juxtaposition of opposing societal states: the one who takes feasts in luxury, while the provider/giver is left standing helplessly at the intersection.
Metaphor
“Rendu pakkam oottaiyinnu / Appuramthaan paarththom”
Using a two-sided hollow coin ('Rendu pakkam oottai') as a metaphor for corrupt political parties that offer no real difference.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Kann Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum' (1983) is a revolutionary socio-political drama film directed by Sridhar Raj, based on Jayakanthan's novel. The film won the National Film Award for Best First Film of a Director. The soundtrack features politically charged songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Vaali and Pulamaipithan, capturing the socio-economic unrest of the early 1980s.
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