- Lyricist
- Panchu Arunachalam
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Ellam Inbamayyam
- Movie release year
- 1981
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Jan 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This lively song from 'Ellam Inbamayyam' (1981) blends rhythmic vocal scats with satirical commentary on reputation, integrity, and hard work. The lyrics ponder the nature of fame, wealth, and status, emphasizing that true dignity comes from living without corruption or deceit through honest toil. It reminds the listener that life's journey contains both smooth fame and sharp obstacles ('stones and thorns'), but steadfast justice and moral principles follow a person continuously in dreams, thoughts, and real life.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Solla solla enna perumai”
The word 'Solla' is repeated sequentially to express continuous reflection and emphasis.
Metaphor / Imagery
“Kallum undu mullum undu”
'Kallum undu mullum undu' uses stones and thorns as a metaphor for hardships encountered on life's path.
Iyaibu (Rhyming End Words)
“Adhu kanavilum ninaivilum / Vaazhvilum thodarudhu”
The words ending in '-um' ('kanavilum', 'ninaivilum', 'vaazhvilum') create a rhythmic, rhyming musical flow.
Monnai (Initial Alliteration)
“Perum undu seerum undu / Perukku pin naalum undu”
Matching initial sounds in 'Perum' and 'Perukku' enhance the lyrical cadence.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Ellam Inbamayyam' (1981) starred Kamal Haasan and was directed by G. N. Rangarajan. The soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with Panchu Arunachalam providing lyrics that cleverly wove playful vocal improvs with social commentary.
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