- Lyricist
- Mysskin
- Singer
- Mysskin
- Music director
- Arrol Corelli
- Movie name
- Savarakathi
- Movie release year
- 2018
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Dec 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Savarakathi' (Barber's Razor) is a philosophical reflection written by Mysskin for the film of the same name. It uses the metaphor of various knives ('kathi') symbolizing human divisions, ego, weapons, caste, pride, and war, comparing them to the humble barber's razor (savarakathi) which serves a simple, non-harmful purpose. The lyricist reminds humanity that the ultimate fundamental purpose of a blade in nature was life-giving and nurturing—to cut the umbilical cord at birth. Through historical and evolutionary imagery, the song recounts human progress from tree-dwellers to builders, scientists, and conquerors of space and ocean. However, it laments that despite all technological advancements and scientific mastery, humanity has lost love and forgotten how to truly live, weaponizing everything out of greed, anger, and ego.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor / Rhyming Repetition (Iyaibu)
“Ye thangakathi vellikathi / Sembukathi irumbukathi”
Extensive use of the suffix '-kathi' (knife) attached to various abstract and concrete concepts (thangakathi, vellikathi, veerakathi, rosakathi, saathikathi, etc.) to construct allegories for human traits.
Rhetorical Question (Vinathal)
“Savarakathi kuththam seiyuma”
Asking 'Savarakathi kuththam seiyuma' (Will a razor ever commit a crime?) and 'Kathi yethukku thaan' (What is a knife meant for?) to provoke deep existential reflection in the listener.
Adukkuthodar / Repetition
“Mannaasa ponnaasa / Pennaasa peraasa”
Combining human desires sequentially ('Mannaasa ponnaasa / Pennaasa peraasa') to highlight the fundamental causes of human destruction.
Monai (Alliteration)
“Vaanam paranthu mathithottom”
Matching initial consonant sounds such as 'Vaanam' and 'Verkkandom' or 'Anbathaan' and 'Vaalathaan' creating rhythm.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Savarakathi' (2018) was written and produced by Mysskin, directed by his brother G. R. Adithya. Mysskin also played the antagonist in the film. The soundtrack was composed by Arrol Corelli, and Mysskin himself penned these deeply philosophical lyrics exploring human absurdity and existential themes.
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