- Lyricist
- Panchu Arunachalam
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Poonthalir
- Movie release year
- 1979
- Lyrics added on
- 31 Jan 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This poignant lullaby and lament from the movie 'Poonthalir' depicts the spirit of a mother watching helplessly over her orphaned young child living on the streets. The mother aches with sorrow as she sees her little boy sleeping by the roadside without food, shelter, or any protection, yet she is unable to physically comfort or feed him. She prays intensely to God to act as a guardian for the innocent child, comparing the child's life to a fragile boat navigating through the immense ocean of time, and holds onto the hope that a bright, safe day will eventually dawn for him.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Urwagakm)
“Poonthalirae inba kaniyae”
In 'Poonthalirae inba kaniyae', the child is affectionately described directly as a tender floral shoot and a sweet fruit of joy.
Extended Metaphor
“Kaalamenum perungadalil Siru padagae pogiraai”
In 'Kaalamenum perungadalil Siru padagae pogiraai', life/time is conceptualized as a vast ocean ('perungadal') while the vulnerable child is metaphorically described as a small boat ('siru padagu') navigating it.
Anaphora / Rhyme (Eshai & Rhyme)
“Veedum indri koorai indri”
Repeated structural phrasing 'Veedum indri koorai indri' creates a rhythmic cadence emphasizing the complete destitution of the child.
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