- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- Sirkazhi Govindarajan
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Kaithi Kannayiram
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Sept 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Sangadam' from the movie Kaithi Kannayiram (1960) is a humorous yet poignant philosophical track that reflects on the paradoxes and hardships of ordinary human existence. Lyricist A. Maruthakasi highlights how human beings possess all physical faculties and desires—such as a mouth and stomach, physical strength, maturity, and emotions—yet constantly suffer due to systemic and material lacks, such as hunger, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, and loneliness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)
“Vaayum irukku vayarirukku / Thevaiyaanathu kadaiyil irukku”
The second consonant sound 'ya' rhymes across 'Vaayum' and 'Thevaiyaanathu' establishing a rhythmic Tamil poetic structure.
Repetition (Adukkuthodar / Anaphora)
“Aa…sangadam sangadam sangadam”
The word 'Sangadam' (trouble) is repeated multiple times in succession to emphasize the overwhelming frequency of life's struggles.
Onomatopoeia (Esaichol)
“Dam dadam appuram”
Rhythmic vocal sounds like 'Dam dadam' and 'kadam dam' are used to imitate percussion beats and match the musical tempo.
Irony / Antithesis
“Udambum irukku dhembum irukku / Velai kidaikkaatha sangadam”
The lyrics contrast the presence of physical readiness ('Udambum irukku dhembum irukku' - having a body and strength) with the lack of opportunity ('Velai kidaikkaatha' - not finding a job).
Did you know?
Trivia
Kaithi Kannayiram (1960) was a classic Tamil crime drama produced by Modern Theatres and directed by U. S. Sundaram. The song showcases Sirkazhi Govindarajan's versatile vocal range, where he seamlessly transitions between rhythmic scatting and soulful lyrical rendition set to K. V. Mahadevan's memorable composition.
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