Satham Illatha Thanimai
From Amarkalam · 1999
- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra
- Music director
- Bharathwaj
- Details
- Amarkalam1999
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| { Satham illaadha thanimai keten | I asked for noise-free solitude |
| Yutham illaadha uzhagam keten | I asked for a war-free world |
| Rathathil endrendrum vegam keten | I asked for eternal speed in my blood |
| Ragasiyamillaa ullam keten } (2) | I asked for a heart without secrets |
| Male | |
| Satham illaadha thanimai keten | I asked for noise-free solitude |
| Yutham illaadha uzhagam keten | I asked for a war-free world |
| Rathathil endrendrum vegam keten | I asked for eternal speed in my blood |
| Ragasiyamillaa ullam keten | I asked for a heart without secrets |
| Male | |
| Uyirai killaadha uravai keten | I asked for a relationship that doesn't hurt the soul |
| Otrai kanneer thuliyai keten | I asked for just a single tear drop |
| Valigal seiyaadha vaarthai keten | I asked for words that do not cause pain |
| Vayadhuku chariyaana vaazhkai keten | I asked for a life appropriate to my age |
| Male | |
| Idigal illaadha megam keten | I asked for clouds without thunder |
| Ilamai kedaadha mogamketen | I asked for passion that doesn't ruin youth |
| Parandhu parandhu nesam keten | I asked for love that flies far and wide |
| Paasaangillaadha paasam keten | I asked for affection free of pretension |
| Male | |
| Pullin nuniyil paniyai keten | I asked for the dew drop at the tip of the grass |
| Poovin madiyil padukai keten | I asked for a bed in the lap of a flower |
| Thaanae urangum vizhiyai keten | I asked for eyes that fall asleep on their own |
| Thalaiyai kodhum viralai keten | I asked for fingers to stroke my head |
| Male | |
| Nilavil nanaiyum solai keten | I asked for a grove drenched in moonlight |
| Neela kuyilin paadal keten | I asked for the song of a blue cuckoo |
| Nadandhu poga nadhikarai keten | I asked for a riverbank to walk along |
| Kidandhu urula pulveli keten | I asked for a grassland to lie down and roll on |
| Male | |
| Thottu paduka nilavai keten | I asked for the moon to touch and lie beside |
| Etti parika vinmeen keten | I asked for a star to reach out and pluck |
| Thukam marandha thookam keten | I asked for a sleep that forgets sleep itself |
| Thookam manakum kanavai keten | I asked for a dream that smells of sleep |
| Male | |
| Boomikellam oru pagal keten | I asked for one daytime for the entire Earth |
| Poovukellam aayul keten | I asked for longevity for all flowers |
| Manidharkellam oru manam keten | I asked for a unified heart for all humans |
| Paravaikellam thaai mozhi keten | I asked for a mother tongue for all birds |
| Male | |
| Uzhagukellam sama mazhai keten | I asked for equal rainfall for the whole world |
| Oorukellam oru nadhi keten | I asked for a river for every village |
| Vaanam muzhuka nilavai keten | I asked for the entire sky to be filled with the moon |
| Vaazhumbodhae svargam keten | I asked for heaven while still alive |
| Male | |
| Ennam ellam uyara keten | I asked for all thoughts to be noble |
| Eriyum theeyaai kavidhai keten | I asked for poetry like a burning fire |
| Kanneer kadandha gnaanam keten | I asked for wisdom beyond tears |
| Kaamam kadandha yogam keten | I asked for spiritual balance beyond lust |
| Male | |
| Sutrum kaatrin sudhandhiram keten | I asked for the freedom of the blowing wind |
| Situ kuruviyin siragai keten | I asked for the wings of a sparrow |
| Uchandhalaimel mazhaiyai keten | I asked for rain upon the crown of my head |
| Ullangaalil nadhiyai keten | I asked for a river beneath the soles of my feet |
| Male | |
| Pankonda paadal payila keten | I asked to learn a song filled with melody |
| Paravaikirukum vaanam keten | I asked for the sky where birds roam |
| Nandri kedaadha natpai keten | I asked for a friendship that never loses gratitude |
| Nadunga vidaadha selvam keten | I asked for wealth that doesn't let one shiver |
| Male | |
| Malaril oru naal vasika keten | I asked to reside in a flower for a day |
| Mazhaiyin sangeedham rusika keten | I asked to taste the music of the rain |
| Nilavil nadhiyil kulika keten | I asked to bathe in the moon and in the river |
| Ninaivil sandhanam manaka keten | I asked for the scent of sandalwood in memory |
| Male | |
| Vizhundhaal nizhal pol vizhavae keten | I asked to fall gently like a shadow if I fall |
| Azhudhaal mazhai pol azhavae keten | I asked to weep like rain if I cry |
| Ekaandham ennodu vaazha keten | I asked for solitude to live with me |
| Eppodhum sirikindra udhadugal keten | I asked for lips that are always smiling |
| Male | |
| Panithuli pol oru sooriyan keten | I asked for a sun like a dewdrop |
| Sooriyan pol oru panithuli keten | I asked for a dewdrop like the sun |
| Raajaraajanin vaalai keten | I asked for the sword of King Rajaraja Chola |
| Valluvan ezhudhiya kolai keten | I asked for the stylus with which Valluvar wrote |
| Male | |
| Bhaaradhiyaarin sollai keten | I asked for the powerful words of Bharathiyar |
| Paarthiban thodutha villai keten | I asked for the bow aimed by Parthiban |
| Maaya kannan kuzhalai keten | I asked for the flute of the magical Krishna |
| Madurai meenaakshi kiliyai keten | I asked for the parrot of Madurai Meenakshi |
| Male | |
| Sondha uzhaipil sorai keten | I asked for food earned through my own labor |
| Thottu kolla paasam keten | I asked for love to touch and feel |
| Mazhaiyai pondra porumaiyai keten | I asked for patience like the rain |
| Pullai pondra panivai keten | I asked for humility like the grass |
| Puyalai pondra thunivaiketen | I asked for courage like a storm |
| Male | |
| Idiyai thaangum thozhai keten | I asked for shoulders that can bear thunder |
| Izhivai thaangum idhayam keten | I asked for a heart that can endure humiliation |
| Throgam thaangum valimai keten | I asked for strength to bear betrayal |
| Tholaindhu vidaadha porumaiyai keten | I asked for patience that never gets lost |
| Male | |
| Sonnadhu ketkum ullam keten | I asked for a mind that listens to what is said |
| Sonnaal saagum vegam keten | I asked for speed that dies down when told |
| Kayavarai ariyum kangal keten | I asked for eyes that recognize wicked people |
| Kaalam kadakum kaalgal keten | I asked for legs that can cross time |
| Male | |
| Chinna chinna tholvigal keten | I asked for tiny, small failures |
| Seekiram aarum kaayam keten | I asked for wounds that heal quickly |
| Moodiyillaadha mugangal keten | I asked for faces without masks |
| Poliyillaadha punnagai keten | I asked for a smile without falsity |
| Male | |
| Thavazhum vayadhil thaai paal keten | I asked for mother's milk at the crawling age |
| Thaavum vayadhil bommaigal keten | I asked for toys at the jumping age |
| Aindhu vayadhil puthagam keten | I asked for books at five years of age |
| Aaraam viralaai pena keten | I asked for a pen as a sixth finger |
| Male | |
| Kaasae vendam karunai keten | I asked for no money, only compassion |
| Thalaiyanai vendam thaai madi keten | I asked for no pillow, only a mother's lap |
| Kootu kilipol vaazha keten | I asked to live like a caged parrot |
| Kuraindha patcha anbai keten | I asked for a minimum amount of love |
| Male | |
| Ithanai ketum kidaikavillai | Despite asking for so much, I got nothing |
| Idhilae edhuvum nadakavillai | None of these came to pass |
| Vaazhve vaazhve vendam endru | Saying I don't want life, life at all |
| Maranam maranam maranam ketennnnnnnnnnn | I asked for death, death, death |
{ சத்தம் இல்லாத
தனிமை கேட்டேன் யுத்தம்
இல்லாத உலகம் கேட்டேன்
ரத்தத்தில் என்றென்றும்
வேகம் கேட்டேன்
ரகசியமில்லா உள்ளம்
கேட்டேன் } (2)
I asked for noise-free solitude
I asked for a war-free world
I asked for eternal speed in my blood
I asked for a heart without secrets
சத்தம் இல்லாத
தனிமை கேட்டேன் யுத்தம்
இல்லாத உலகம் கேட்டேன்
ரத்தத்தில் என்றென்றும்
வேகம் கேட்டேன்
ரகசியமில்லா உள்ளம்
கேட்டேன்
I asked for noise-free solitude
I asked for a war-free world
I asked for eternal speed in my blood
I asked for a heart without secrets
உயிரைக் கிள்ளாத
உறவைக் கேட்டேன் ஒற்றைக்
கண்ணீர்த் துளியைக் கேட்டேன்
வலிகள் செய்யாத வார்த்தை
கேட்டேன் வயதுக்குச் சரியான
வாழ்க்கை கேட்டேன்
I asked for a relationship that doesn't hurt the soul
I asked for just a single tear drop
I asked for words that do not cause pain
I asked for a life appropriate to my age
இடிகள் இல்லாத
மேகம் கேட்டேன் இளமை
கெடாத மோகம் கேட்டேன்
பறந்து பறந்து நேசம்
கேட்டேன் பாசாங்கில்லாத
பாசம் கேட்டேன்
I asked for clouds without thunder
I asked for passion that doesn't ruin youth
I asked for love that flies far and wide
I asked for affection free of pretension
புல்லின் நுனியில்
பனியைக் கேட்டேன் பூவின்
மடியில் படுக்கை கேட்டேன்
தானே உறங்கும் விழியைக்
கேட்டேன் தலையைக் கோதும்
விரலைக் கேட்டேன்
I asked for the dew drop at the tip of the grass
I asked for a bed in the lap of a flower
I asked for eyes that fall asleep on their own
I asked for fingers to stroke my head
நிலவில் நனையும்
சோலை கேட்டேன் நீலக்
குயிலின் பாடல் கேட்டேன்
நடந்து போக நதிக்கரை
கேட்டேன் கிடந்து உருளப்
புல்வெளி கேட்டேன்
I asked for a grove drenched in moonlight
I asked for the song of a blue cuckoo
I asked for a riverbank to walk along
I asked for a grassland to lie down and roll on
தொட்டுப் படுக்க
நிலவைக் கேட்டேன்
எட்டிப் பறிக்க விண்மீன்
கேட்டேன் துக்கம் மறந்த
தூக்கம் கேட்டேன் தூக்கம்
மணக்கும் கனவைக் கேட்டேன்
I asked for the moon to touch and lie beside
I asked for a star to reach out and pluck
I asked for a sleep that forgets sleep itself
I asked for a dream that smells of sleep
பூமிக்கெல்லாம்
ஒரு பகல் கேட்டேன்
பூவுக்கெல்லாம் ஆயுள்
கேட்டேன் மனிதர்கெல்லாம்
ஒரு மனம் கேட்டேன்
பறவைக்கெல்லாம்
தாய்மொழி கேட்டேன்
I asked for one daytime for the entire Earth
I asked for longevity for all flowers
I asked for a unified heart for all humans
I asked for a mother tongue for all birds
உலகுக்கெல்லாம்
சம மழை கேட்டேன்
ஊருக்கெல்லாம் ஒரு
நதி கேட்டேன் வானம்
முழுக்க நிலவைக்
கேட்டேன் வாழும்
போதே சொர்க்கம்
கேட்டேன்
I asked for equal rainfall for the whole world
I asked for a river for every village
I asked for the entire sky to be filled with the moon
I asked for heaven while still alive
எண்ணம்
எல்லாம் உயரக்
கேட்டேன் எரியும்
தீயாய் கவிதை
கேட்டேன் கண்ணீர்
கடந்த ஞானம் கேட்டேன்
காமம் கடந்த யோகம்
கேட்டேன்
I asked for all thoughts to be noble
I asked for poetry like a burning fire
I asked for wisdom beyond tears
I asked for spiritual balance beyond lust
சுற்றும் காற்றின்
சுதந்திரம் கேட்டேன்
சிட்டுக் குருவியின்
சிறகைக் கேட்டேன்
உச்சந் தலை மேல்
மழையைக் கேட்டேன்
உள்ளங்காலில் நதியைக்
கேட்டேன்
I asked for the freedom of the blowing wind
I asked for the wings of a sparrow
I asked for rain upon the crown of my head
I asked for a river beneath the soles of my feet
பண்கொண்ட
பாடல் பயிலக் கேட்டேன்
பறவைக்கிருக்கும் வானம்
கேட்டேன் நன்றி கெடாத
நட்பைக் கேட்டேன் நடுங்க
விடாத செல்வம் கேட்டேன்
I asked to learn a song filled with melody
I asked for the sky where birds roam
I asked for a friendship that never loses gratitude
I asked for wealth that doesn't let one shiver
மலரில் ஒரு
நாள் வசிக்கக் கேட்டேன்
மழையின் சங்கீதம்
ருசிக்கக் கேட்டேன்
நிலவில் நதியில் குளிக்கக்
கேட்டேன் நினைவில் சந்தனம்
மணக்கக் கேட்டேன்
I asked to reside in a flower for a day
I asked to taste the music of the rain
I asked to bathe in the moon and in the river
I asked for the scent of sandalwood in memory
விழுந்தால்
நிழல் போல் விழவே
கேட்டேன் அழுதால்
மழை போல் அழவே
கேட்டேன் ஏகாந்தம்
என்னோடு வாழக்
கேட்டேன் எப்போதும்
சிரிக்கின்ற உதடுகள்
கேட்டேன்
I asked to fall gently like a shadow if I fall
I asked to weep like rain if I cry
I asked for solitude to live with me
I asked for lips that are always smiling
பனித்துளி
போல் ஒரு சூரியன்
கேட்டேன் சூரியன்
போல் ஒரு பனித் துளி
கேட்டேன் ராஜராஜனின்
வாளைக் கேட்டேன்
வள்ளுவன் எழுதிய
கோலைக் கேட்டேன்
I asked for a sun like a dewdrop
I asked for a dewdrop like the sun
I asked for the sword of King Rajaraja Chola
I asked for the stylus with which Valluvar wrote
பாரதியாரின்
சொல்லைக் கேட்டேன்
பார்த்திபன் தொடுத்த
வில்லைக் கேட்டேன்
மாயக் கண்ணன் குழலைக்
கேட்டேன் மதுரை மீனாட்சி
கிளியைக் கேட்டேன்
I asked for the powerful words of Bharathiyar
I asked for the bow aimed by Parthiban
I asked for the flute of the magical Krishna
I asked for the parrot of Madurai Meenakshi
சொந்த
உழைப்பில் சோறை
கேட்டேன் தொட்டுக்
கொள்ள பாசம் கேட்டேன்
மழையைப் போன்ற
பொறுமையை கேட்டேன்
புல்லைப் போன்ற
பணிவைக் கேட்டேன்
புயலைப் போன்ற
துணிவைக் கேட்டேன்
I asked for food earned through my own labor
I asked for love to touch and feel
I asked for patience like the rain
I asked for humility like the grass
I asked for courage like a storm
இடியைத்
தாங்கும் தோளை
கேட்டேன் இழிவைத்
தாங்கும் இதயம் கேட்டேன்
துரோகம் தாங்கும் வலிமைக்
கேட்டேன் தொலைந்து விடாத
பொறுமையை கேட்டேன்
I asked for shoulders that can bear thunder
I asked for a heart that can endure humiliation
I asked for strength to bear betrayal
I asked for patience that never gets lost
சொன்னது
கேட்கும் உள்ளம்
கேட்டேன் சொன்னால்
சாகும் வேகம் கேட்டேன்
கயவரை அறியும் கண்கள்
கேட்டேன் காலம் கடக்கும்
கால்கள் கேட்டேன்
I asked for a mind that listens to what is said
I asked for speed that dies down when told
I asked for eyes that recognize wicked people
I asked for legs that can cross time
சின்ன சின்னத்
தோல்விகள் கேட்டேன்
சீக்கிரம் ஆறும் காயம்
கேட்டேன் மூடியில்லாத
முகங்கள் கேட்டேன்
போலியில்லாத புன்னகை
கேட்டேன்
I asked for tiny, small failures
I asked for wounds that heal quickly
I asked for faces without masks
I asked for a smile without falsity
தவழும் வயதில்
தாய்ப்பால் கேட்டேன்
தாவும் வயதில் பொம்மைகள்
கேட்டேன் ஐந்து வயதில்
புத்தகம் கேட்டேன் ஆறாம்
விரலாய் பேனா கேட்டேன்
I asked for mother's milk at the crawling age
I asked for toys at the jumping age
I asked for books at five years of age
I asked for a pen as a sixth finger
காசே வேண்டாம்
கருணை கேட்டேன்
தலையணை வேண்டாம்
தாய்மடி கேட்டேன் கூட்டுக்
கிளி போல் வாழக் கேட்டேன்
குறைந்த பட்ச அன்பைக்
கேட்டேன்
I asked for no money, only compassion
I asked for no pillow, only a mother's lap
I asked to live like a caged parrot
I asked for a minimum amount of love
இத்தனை கேட்டும்
கிடைக்கவில்லை இதிலே
எதுவும் நடக்கவில்லை
வாழ்வே வாழ்வே வேண்டாம்
என்று மரணம் மரணம் மரணம்
கேட்டேன்
Despite asking for so much, I got nothing
None of these came to pass
Saying I don't want life, life at all
I asked for death, death, death
{ Satham illaadha thanimai keten
I asked for noise-free solitude
Yutham illaadha uzhagam keten
I asked for a war-free world
Rathathil endrendrum vegam keten
I asked for eternal speed in my blood
Ragasiyamillaa ullam keten } (2)
I asked for a heart without secrets
Satham illaadha thanimai keten
I asked for noise-free solitude
Yutham illaadha uzhagam keten
I asked for a war-free world
Rathathil endrendrum vegam keten
I asked for eternal speed in my blood
Ragasiyamillaa ullam keten
I asked for a heart without secrets
Uyirai killaadha uravai keten
I asked for a relationship that doesn't hurt the soul
Otrai kanneer thuliyai keten
I asked for just a single tear drop
Valigal seiyaadha vaarthai keten
I asked for words that do not cause pain
Vayadhuku chariyaana vaazhkai keten
I asked for a life appropriate to my age
Idigal illaadha megam keten
I asked for clouds without thunder
Ilamai kedaadha mogamketen
I asked for passion that doesn't ruin youth
Parandhu parandhu nesam keten
I asked for love that flies far and wide
Paasaangillaadha paasam keten
I asked for affection free of pretension
Pullin nuniyil paniyai keten
I asked for the dew drop at the tip of the grass
Poovin madiyil padukai keten
I asked for a bed in the lap of a flower
Thaanae urangum vizhiyai keten
I asked for eyes that fall asleep on their own
Thalaiyai kodhum viralai keten
I asked for fingers to stroke my head
Nilavil nanaiyum solai keten
I asked for a grove drenched in moonlight
Neela kuyilin paadal keten
I asked for the song of a blue cuckoo
Nadandhu poga nadhikarai keten
I asked for a riverbank to walk along
Kidandhu urula pulveli keten
I asked for a grassland to lie down and roll on
Thottu paduka nilavai keten
I asked for the moon to touch and lie beside
Etti parika vinmeen keten
I asked for a star to reach out and pluck
Thukam marandha thookam keten
I asked for a sleep that forgets sleep itself
Thookam manakum kanavai keten
I asked for a dream that smells of sleep
Boomikellam oru pagal keten
I asked for one daytime for the entire Earth
Poovukellam aayul keten
I asked for longevity for all flowers
Manidharkellam oru manam keten
I asked for a unified heart for all humans
Paravaikellam thaai mozhi keten
I asked for a mother tongue for all birds
Uzhagukellam sama mazhai keten
I asked for equal rainfall for the whole world
Oorukellam oru nadhi keten
I asked for a river for every village
Vaanam muzhuka nilavai keten
I asked for the entire sky to be filled with the moon
Vaazhumbodhae svargam keten
I asked for heaven while still alive
Ennam ellam uyara keten
I asked for all thoughts to be noble
Eriyum theeyaai kavidhai keten
I asked for poetry like a burning fire
Kanneer kadandha gnaanam keten
I asked for wisdom beyond tears
Kaamam kadandha yogam keten
I asked for spiritual balance beyond lust
Sutrum kaatrin sudhandhiram keten
I asked for the freedom of the blowing wind
Situ kuruviyin siragai keten
I asked for the wings of a sparrow
Uchandhalaimel mazhaiyai keten
I asked for rain upon the crown of my head
Ullangaalil nadhiyai keten
I asked for a river beneath the soles of my feet
Pankonda paadal payila keten
I asked to learn a song filled with melody
Paravaikirukum vaanam keten
I asked for the sky where birds roam
Nandri kedaadha natpai keten
I asked for a friendship that never loses gratitude
Nadunga vidaadha selvam keten
I asked for wealth that doesn't let one shiver
Malaril oru naal vasika keten
I asked to reside in a flower for a day
Mazhaiyin sangeedham rusika keten
I asked to taste the music of the rain
Nilavil nadhiyil kulika keten
I asked to bathe in the moon and in the river
Ninaivil sandhanam manaka keten
I asked for the scent of sandalwood in memory
Vizhundhaal nizhal pol vizhavae keten
I asked to fall gently like a shadow if I fall
Azhudhaal mazhai pol azhavae keten
I asked to weep like rain if I cry
Ekaandham ennodu vaazha keten
I asked for solitude to live with me
Eppodhum sirikindra udhadugal keten
I asked for lips that are always smiling
Panithuli pol oru sooriyan keten
I asked for a sun like a dewdrop
Sooriyan pol oru panithuli keten
I asked for a dewdrop like the sun
Raajaraajanin vaalai keten
I asked for the sword of King Rajaraja Chola
Valluvan ezhudhiya kolai keten
I asked for the stylus with which Valluvar wrote
Bhaaradhiyaarin sollai keten
I asked for the powerful words of Bharathiyar
Paarthiban thodutha villai keten
I asked for the bow aimed by Parthiban
Maaya kannan kuzhalai keten
I asked for the flute of the magical Krishna
Madurai meenaakshi kiliyai keten
I asked for the parrot of Madurai Meenakshi
Sondha uzhaipil sorai keten
I asked for food earned through my own labor
Thottu kolla paasam keten
I asked for love to touch and feel
Mazhaiyai pondra porumaiyai keten
I asked for patience like the rain
Pullai pondra panivai keten
I asked for humility like the grass
Puyalai pondra thunivaiketen
I asked for courage like a storm
Idiyai thaangum thozhai keten
I asked for shoulders that can bear thunder
Izhivai thaangum idhayam keten
I asked for a heart that can endure humiliation
Throgam thaangum valimai keten
I asked for strength to bear betrayal
Tholaindhu vidaadha porumaiyai keten
I asked for patience that never gets lost
Sonnadhu ketkum ullam keten
I asked for a mind that listens to what is said
Sonnaal saagum vegam keten
I asked for speed that dies down when told
Kayavarai ariyum kangal keten
I asked for eyes that recognize wicked people
Kaalam kadakum kaalgal keten
I asked for legs that can cross time
Chinna chinna tholvigal keten
I asked for tiny, small failures
Seekiram aarum kaayam keten
I asked for wounds that heal quickly
Moodiyillaadha mugangal keten
I asked for faces without masks
Poliyillaadha punnagai keten
I asked for a smile without falsity
Thavazhum vayadhil thaai paal keten
I asked for mother's milk at the crawling age
Thaavum vayadhil bommaigal keten
I asked for toys at the jumping age
Aindhu vayadhil puthagam keten
I asked for books at five years of age
Aaraam viralaai pena keten
I asked for a pen as a sixth finger
Kaasae vendam karunai keten
I asked for no money, only compassion
Thalaiyanai vendam thaai madi keten
I asked for no pillow, only a mother's lap
Kootu kilipol vaazha keten
I asked to live like a caged parrot
Kuraindha patcha anbai keten
I asked for a minimum amount of love
Ithanai ketum kidaikavillai
Despite asking for so much, I got nothing
Idhilae edhuvum nadakavillai
None of these came to pass
Vaazhve vaazhve vendam endru
Saying I don't want life, life at all
Maranam maranam maranam ketennnnnnnnnnn
I asked for death, death, death
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This iconic Tamil song, written by Vairamuthu, is an intense philosophical monologue structured as a relentless list of simple, poetic, idealistic, and profound human desires. The speaker enumerates various wishes spanning nature, peace, love, wisdom, historical greatness, and pure human emotions, using the recurring phrase 'keten' (I asked for).
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Epiphora / Antistrophe
“Satham illaadha thanimai keten... Maranam maranam maranam keten”
Repetition of the word 'keten' ('I asked for') at the end of every line across almost the entire poem to create a rhythmic, pleading cadence.
Chiasmus / Paradox
“Panithuli pol oru sooriyan keten / Sooriyan pol oru panithuli keten”
Inverting terms to highlight contrasting imagery of scale and nature.
Simile (Upamai)
“Vizhundhaal nizhal pol vizhavae keten / Azhudhaal mazhai pol azhavae keten”
Comparing natural phenomena to human emotions and actions.
Monai & Ethukai (Tamil Alliteration & Rhyme)
“Satham illaadha thanimai keten / Yutham illaadha uzhagam keten”
Consistent initial letter and second letter matching across consecutive lines (e.g., Satham/Yutham/Rathathil/Ragasiyamillaa).
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Trivia
Composed by Bharathwaj for the 1999 movie 'Amarkalam' starring Ajith Kumar and Shalini, this song is famous for its tragic climax revelation where after listing dozens of beautiful wishes, the character reveals that having received none, they ultimately pray for death.
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