- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Vairamuthu
- Music director
- Chandrabose
- Movie name
- Sonthakkaran
- Movie release year
- 1989
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Apr 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song questions the true definition of a 'Sonthakkaaran' (kinsman/relative). The lyricist challenges societal norms by asserting that genuine relationships are not defined by bloodlines, legal claims to wealth, or superficial companionship. Instead, true kinship belongs to friends willing to sacrifice their lives, co-workers who share one's grief, and companions who stand by a person until their final moments. Through evocative traditional metaphors, the song defines true human connection as humble, steadfast, selfless, and deeply supportive through life's trials.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Upamai (Simile)
“Uppai pola elimaiyaanavan sonthakkaaran”
Compares the humble nature of a true friend to salt ('Uppai pola elimaiyaanavan') and their strength/steadfastness to moral virtue ('Pen karppai pola valimaiyaanavan').
Uruvagamm (Metaphor)
“Thiriyaai endrum iruppavanaethaan sonthakkaran”
Uses the image of a lamp's wick ('Thiriyaai endrum iruppavanaethaan') to metaphorically depict a relative as someone who burns themselves to provide light and comfort to others.
Contrast / Antithesis
“Veedu varaikkum varubavanalla sonthakkaran / Kaadu varaikkum varubavanaethaan sonthakkaaran”
Contrasts superficial relationships that last till the home ('Veedu varaikkum') with true companions who stay till the final journey ('Kaadu varaikkum').
Idiomatic Imagery
“Kaadhil poovai thodupavan alla sonthakkaran / Ada kaalil mullai eduppavangthaan sonthakkaaran”
Contrasts the popular Tamil idiom 'kaadhil poo vaithal' (deceiving someone) with 'kaalil mullai eduppavan' (helping someone out of pain).
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Trivia
The lyricist Vairamuthu echoes classical Tamil philosophical themes in this track, notably referencing Kannadasan's famous line 'Veedu varai uravu, kaadu varai manaivi' from 'Pattinathar' (1962). The film Sonthakkaran (1989) featured music composed by Chandrabose and starred Prabhu and Nirosha.
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