- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Sankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Doctor Amma
- Movie release year
- 1974
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Apr 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Selvangal Odi Vandhadhu' depicts a woman yielding to a hedonistic, intoxicated lifestyle fueled by wealth, status, and fame. Shedding traditional societal norms, modesty, and reservations, she embraces wine and indulgence, asserting that rich lifestyle habits place her above conventional moral expectations. The lyrics convey how extreme wealth and intoxication break down social distinctions and traditional virtues, turning societal ideals on their head in a moment of unrestrained revelry.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Selvangal odi vandhadhu / Kinnangal thedi vandhadhu / Angangal aadi vandhadhu”
The lines end with rhythmic repetition of the suffix 'vandhadhu' creating a flowing musical cadence.
Repetition / Anaphora
“Pana bodhai pugazh bodhai pala bodhai”
The word 'bodhai' (intoxication) is repeated rhythmically to emphasize the overwhelming feeling of indulgence.
Metaphor
“Karppennum panbugal kaatru vaanga pogum”
Chastity and virtue are metaphorically described as 'going to take a walk in the breeze,' indicating how easily moral boundaries evaporate under the influence of alcohol and luxury.
Wordplay / Contrast
“Kulamagal kudimagal endru maarum neram”
Vaali contrasts 'Kulamagal' (a woman of noble lineage) with 'Kudimagal' (a woman who drinks alcohol), highlighting the transformational effect of intoxication.
Did you know?
Trivia
This track is featured in the 1974 Tamil movie 'Doctor Amma'. Penned by the legendary lyricist Vaali, the song serves as a classic high-energy 'club/cabaret' style track of 1970s Tamil cinema, portraying the allure and moral unraveling brought on by excessive wealth and alcoholism.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Doctor Amma
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.