- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singer
- S. P. Shailaja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Nee Thodum Pothu
- Movie release year
- 1984
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Jan 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This satirical song uses irony and humor to mock a foolish, greedy, and arrogant wealthy man dressed in modern Western attire (a suit coat). It begins with mock praise wishing his fame to last as long as the sun and moon, but quickly devolves into playful taunts highlighting his petty nature, senseless actions, and insatiable greed despite inheriting wealth across ten generations. The lyricist metaphorically contrasts the communal shade and joy of a family-nurtured tree with the man's destructive and foolish impulses, painting him as a tall, empty 'jester king' who causes trouble wherever he goes.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Sooriyan chandhiran pol”
Comparing the desired longevity of fame to the eternal existence of the sun and moon ('Sooriyan chandhiran pol').
Irony & Sarcasm (Vyanga)
“Nallavare vallavarae / Coattukkullae irukkum Kooruketta konaangi mannavarae”
Addressing a foolish, greedy man with mock honorifics like 'Nallavare vallavarae' (Good man, capable man) right before calling him 'Kooruketta konaangi' (Senseless jester).
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“Valarantha thenna maram polae nirkkum”
Using the coconut tree ('Valarantha thenna maram') as a metaphor for a tall person who lacks substance or empathy despite physical growth.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Nee Thodum Pothu' (1984) is a Tamil film featuring lyrics written by Gangai Amaran. The song is crafted in a theatrical folk-satire format, combining lighthearted insults with moral commentary on greed and arrogance.
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