- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Sankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Samsaram Adhu Minsaram
- Movie release year
- 1986
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Feb 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song encapsulates the core theme of the film, drawing a direct metaphor between family life (samsaaram) and electricity (minsaaram). Just as electricity powers a home but can deliver a fatal shock if mismanaged, family life offers comfort yet can spark painful conflicts when selfishness and financial disputes arise. The lyrics poignantly express the heartbreak of parents when their selfless sacrifices are reduced to monetary transactions by their own children.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamaani)
“Samsaaram adhu minsaaram”
Compares family life directly to electricity, highlighting its dual nature of utility and danger.
Rhetorical Question
“Thaaipaalukku kanakku pottaa / Thaali minjumaa”
Uses dramatic questions to underscore the absurdity of quantifying maternal love and familial duties in monetary terms.
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Bandham illa paasam illa / Sondham inghu sondham illa”
The second consonant 'n' aligns between 'Bandham' and 'Sondham', creating a rhythmic flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
This is the title track from the classic 1986 Tamil family drama film 'Samsaram Adhu Minsaram', directed by Visu. The music was composed by the duo Shankar-Ganesh, with lyrics written by Vairamuthu and sung by K. J. Yesudas. The film was a blockbuster and won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Samsaram Adhu Minsaram
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.