- Lyricist
- Madhukoor Kannan
- Singers
- B. S. Sasirekha, Bramanandan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Metti
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 26 May 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This melancholic song from the film 'Metti' reflects deep emotional grief and poignant sorrow. The lyrics contrast the traditional joyful sound of a woman's toe-rings (metti) with the tragedy that has struck her household. The melody and rhythm seem lost as grief overwhelms the family, transforming celebratory ornaments into tragic symbols of pain and loss. The song poignantly asks whether the innocent heroine's life has been consumed by hardship, comparing her flowing grief to a river of tears, while celebrating the noble maternal love that shines through adversity despite the absence of words to convey her suffering.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Ani)
“Male :Raagam engaeyo thaalam engaeyo”
The opening line asks 'Where is the melody? Where is the rhythm?' to highlight the overwhelming chaos and sorrow that disrupted harmony.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Irul thaediponatho kanneer aarae odum”
'Kanneer aarae' metaphors tears as a flowing river, emphasizing continuous and deep sorrow.
Refrain / Repetition (Adukkuthodar)
“Metti metti metti metti”
The rhythmic chant 'Metti metti' acts as a poetic motif throughout the song, echoing both ornament and tragedy.
Did you know?
Trivia
Directed by the acclaimed director J. Mahendran, 'Metti' (1982) features a haunting soundtrack by Ilaiyaraaja. The song uses rhythmic vocal cues mimicking the sound of toe-rings ('Metti') as a musical counterpoint to create a distinct, atmospheric mournfulness.
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