- Lyricist
- K. Kalimuthu
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, S. P. Sailaja, Vijayaramani, Saibaba
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu
- Movie release year
- 1986
- Lyrics added on
- 12 Oct 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song from 'Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu' (1986) portrays a lighthearted yet philosophically rich dialogue between rural suitors and a devout singer. The young men sing enthusiastic folk praises to a beautiful maiden, comparing her to a peacock and parrot while longing for her company. In response, the devout perspective declines to sing worldly praises of a mortal woman ('doll'), arguing that a mouth reserved for praising Goddess Abirami (the Divine Mother) should not be used for superficial flattery. The lyric blends playful folk rhythms ('Thandhaanaa') with sacred devotion and witty philosophical banter, contrasting worldly romantic attraction with divine worship while capturing the vibrant essence of traditional Tamil folk performances.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monaai (Head Alliteration)
“Thaambaala sundhariyae / Thandhaanaa poduriyae / Thaaviyae vaa mayilae”
Repetition of the initial 'Tha' consonant across consecutive lines creates a strong rhythmic cadence typical of folk music.
Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyming)
“Ammaiyai paadum vaayaal / Indha bommaiya paaduvaeno”
Rhyming of the second letter 'm' sound between 'Ammaiyai' and 'Bommaiya' creates a striking contrast between divine mother and human doll.
Adukkuthodar (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Ishta kiliya konjam paaru paaru”
Doubling of words like 'paaru paaru', 'kooru kooru', and 'thaevai thaevai' adds emotional emphasis and aesthetic folk flavor.
Uvamaani / Metaphor
“Indha bommaiya paaduvaeno”
Comparing the woman to a 'mayil' (peacock), 'kili' (parrot), and 'bommai' (doll) serves both complimentary and philosophical arguments.
Did you know?
Trivia
The lyrics for this song were penned by Dr. K. Kalimuthu, a prominent Tamil scholar, poet, and politician who served as a minister and Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The music for the film 'Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu' (1986) was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja.
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