- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- C. S. Jayaraman
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Thozhan
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 4 Jul 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song praises the noble virtues of honor, selflessness, and unyielding adherence to duty by drawing parallels with legendary figures from Indian mythology and history. It invokes Lord Rama, who went to exile to fulfill his father's vow; King Mahabali, who surrendered himself to honor his word; and King Sibi, who offered his own flesh to protect a helpless dove seeking refuge. The lyrics emphasize that righteous individuals who live by these principles leave behind an immortal legacy that outlasts their physical existence, describing such a hero as a true Karma Yogi unaffected by fear or adversity.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Allusion (Aalumaai)
“Thandhai sollai kaapattra sreeraman... Sibi mannan than sadhaiyai arindhu thandhan”
The lyrcist uses puranic and historical legends (Sri Rama, Mahabali, and King Sibi) to illustrate high moral standards and sacrifice.
Iyaibu (Rhyming Endings)
“Sonna sol maravae mattan / Enna thunbangal vandhaalum anjavae mattan”
The usage of matching verb endings in consecutive lines creates a rhythmic and emphatic resolution.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Thandhai sollai kaapattra sreeraman / Thava kolam thaangi sendraan”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds ('Th') across words in the opening lines enhances the musical cadence.
Did you know?
Trivia
The movie 'Thozhan' (1960) featured music by master composer G. Ramanathan and lyrics by A. Maruthakasi. Singer C. S. Jayaraman was famous for his distinct theatrical vocal style, which became iconic for powerful philosophical and character-defining songs in mid-20th-century Tamil cinema.
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