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Kalathur Kannamma album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Sirithaalum Azhuthaalum

From Kalathur Kannamma · 1960

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
C. S. Jayaraman
Music director
Sudharsanam
Movie name
Kalathur Kannamma
Movie release year
1960
Lyrics added on
6 Aug 2019

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Sirithaalum azhuthaalum
Nilai ondru thaan…aan…
Sendraalum nindraalum
Vazhi ondru thaan
Vazhi ondru thaan
Sirithaalum azhuthaalum
Nilai ondru thaan…
Sirithaalum azhuthaalum
Nilai ondru thaan..
Sendraalum nindraalum
Vazhi ondru thaan
Thodarnthaalum mudinthaalum
Kadhai ondru thaan
Thaazhnthaalum vaazhnthaalum
Tharam ondru thaan
Sirithaalum azhuthaalum
Nilai ondru thaan..
Inaivadhilae inbam
Pirivadhilae thunbam
Ulaginil maaradha needhi
Inaivadhilae inbam
Pirivadhilae thunbam
Ulaginil maaradha needhi
Varuvadhu pol vandhu
Nilaipadhu pol nindru
Varuvadhu pol vandhu
Nilaipadhu pol nindru
Maraivathu thaan vaazhvil paadhi..ee…
Sirithaalum azhuthaalum
Nilai ondru thaan…
Aanandha veri yeri
Aayiram poi koorum
Maanida samuthaaya ellai
Aanandha veri yeri
Aayiram poi koorum
Maanida samuthaaya ellai
Idhil thannalam karudhatha
Thaaimaiyai maravatha
Thannalam karudhatha
Thaaimaiyai maravatha
Pennmaiyum illamal illai..ee…
Sirithaalum azhuthaalum
Nilai ondru thaan..
Sendraalum nindraalum
Vazhi ondru thaan
Thodarnthaalum mudinthaalum
Kadhai ondru thaan
Thaazhnthaalum vaazhnthaalum
Tharam ondru thaan
Sirithaalum azhuthaalum
Nilai ondru thaan..
Whether you laugh or cry,
the state of life is just the same...
Whether you move ahead or stand still,
the path is only one.
The path is only one.
Whether you laugh or cry,
the state of life is just the same...
Whether you laugh or cry,
the state of life is just the same.
Whether you move ahead or stand still,
the path is only one.
Whether it goes on or ends,
the story is only one.
Whether you fall low or live well,
human worth is just the same.
Whether you laugh or cry,
the state of life is just the same.
In coming together lies joy,
in parting lies sorrow—
this is the world's unchanging truth.
In coming together lies joy,
in parting lies sorrow—
this is the world's unchanging truth.
Coming as if it is here to stay,
standing as if it will never leave,
coming as if it is here to stay,
standing as if it will never leave,
and then vanishing away is half of life...
Whether you laugh or cry,
the state of life is just the same...
Blinded by the madness of pleasure,
telling a thousand lies,
such is the nature of human society.
Blinded by the madness of pleasure,
telling a thousand lies,
such is the nature of human society.
Yet, free from all selfishness,
never forgetting the grace of motherhood,
free from all selfishness,
never forgetting the grace of motherhood,
true womanhood is not lost here...
Whether you laugh or cry,
the state of life is just the same.
Whether you move ahead or stand still,
the path is only one.
Whether it goes on or ends,
the story is only one.
Whether you fall low or live well,
human worth is just the same.
Whether you laugh or cry,
the state of life is just the same.
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Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This classic philosophical song from 'Kalathur Kannamma' explores the concept of equanimity and the inherent dualities of human existence. Kannadasan highlights that despite the varying emotional states of laughter, tears, progress, or stagnation, the ultimate reality and destination of life remain unchanged. The song reflects on how joy in union and grief in separation are immutable laws of nature.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Maranu / Antithesis (Muran)

“Sirithaalum azhuthaalum”

Contrasting opposite concepts like laughter and crying, or going and staying, to emphasize existential balance.

Edhukai (Second letter rhyme)

“Inaivadhilae inbam / Pirivadhilae thunbam”

The second letters of words in corresponding lines rhyme ('Inaivadhilae' / 'Pirivadhilae').

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

“Nilai ondru thaan / Vazhi ondru thaan”

Repetition of the phrase 'ondru thaan' at line endings establishes rhythmic continuity.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kalathur Kannamma (1960), directed by A. Bhimsingh and produced by AV. Meiyappan, marked the silver screen debut of legendary actor Kamal Haasan as a child artist. The music was composed by R. Sudarsanam, and the movie won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.

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