- Lyricist
- Udumalai Narayanakavi
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Madurai Veeran
- Movie release year
- 1956
- Lyrics added on
- 9 Mar 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song, penned by the noted reformist lyricist Udumalai Narayanakavi, offers a sharp socio-economic commentary on contemporary employment attitudes and the dignity of labor. It highlights how educated youth abandon traditional family occupations and cottage industries in favor of white-collar desk jobs, leading to both unemployment and labor shortages. The song urges individuals to actively apply effort and intellect rather than passively waiting for job opportunities to land at their doorstep.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Padicha velaikku pala per nottam / Kudisai thozhilil”
The second consonant 'di' matches in 'Padicha' and 'Kudisai', creating a rhythmic flow standard in classical Tamil prosody.
Moonaai (Initial Letter Alliteration)
“Moolaiyodu nalla / Muyarchiyumirundhaa”
The repetition of the initial consonant sound 'M' ('Moolaiyodu' and 'Muyarchiyumirundhaa') reinforces memory and lyrical harmony.
Uvamai (Analogy/Simile)
“Malai thanil siriyadhum periyadhum undu / Manidhargal arivilum adhu pol undu”
The poet compares the natural variation in mountain sizes (large and small) to the varying cognitive abilities and talents among human beings.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by Udumalai Narayanakavi for the blockbuster 1956 film 'Madurai Veeran' (starring M. G. Ramachandran), the song features music composed by G. Ramanathan. The lyricist was renowned for weaving social commentary, rationalist thoughts, and labor welfare ideals into popular cinema songs.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Madurai Veeran
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.