- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Engal Selvi
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 1 Dec 2024
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song expresses the tender frustration of a woman who is unable to effectively convey her deep love and feelings to her beloved, who fails to comprehend her hints. Through rich philosophical imagery, she reflects on human nature and life's transience. She notes that those who own nothing are free from worries, whereas those with wealth yet unsatisfied desires lack peace of mind. She cautions that while material wealth can be lost and regained, youth and romantic passion once gone never return. Recalling past memories by the seashore, she laments how education and degrees mean little if one cannot read the silent emotions of a loving heart.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Refrain / Anaphora
“Sollaththaan ninaikkiraen mudiyavillai”
The line 'Sollaththaan ninaikkiraen mudiyavillai' repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the central theme of unspoken emotion and helplessness.
Antithesis / Paradox
“Illai illai enbavarukku Kavalai illai aanaal irunthum illai Enbavarkku amaithi illai”
Kannadasan uses paradox to contrast poverty of material with richness of peace: one with nothing has no worry, whereas one who possesses yet craves lacks peace.
Metaphor
“Isai paadi varum kuyiln nenjam Theriyavillaiyo”
Comparing the heroine's loving, expressive heart to a singing cuckoo ('kuyil').
Edhukai (Tamil Second-letter Rhyme)
“Pattam pettra pinbum Paadam mudiyavillaiyo”
The second consonant 'tt' rhymes in 'Pattam' and 'Paadam'.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by the legendary poet Kannadasan and set to tune by K. V. Mahadevan, this song from 'Engal Selvi' (1960) remains one of P. Susheela's finest solo performances. Kannadasan seamlessly blends romantic longing with timeless philosophical truths, a signature trait of his songwriting.
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