- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Arasilangkumari
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 24 Sept 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Thillalangadi from Arasilangkumari (1961) is a playful yet deep philosophical song written by lyricist Kannadasan. Using folk motifs and engaging vocalizations, the song satirizes human foolishness, herd mentality, and moral compromises. It urges people who lack critical thinking to wake up and understand the deceptive tricks ('thillalangadi') present in human society. The lyricist uses nature imagery, comparing human conformity to sheep following a single lead sheep, and human society to a paddy field where weeds grow alongside good crops. It contrasts the carefree, harmonious existence of birds with the selfish, divided nature of human beings who fail to learn righteousness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Allegory / Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Aattu kada kootangalae / Engae poringha / Oru aadu pogum vazhiyila thaan / Neengha povingha”
Compares human herd mentality and lack of independent thinking to a flock of sheep blindly following the path taken by a single sheep.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Nalla manushan ullam pola / Nellu vilanji kidakudhu / Nadunaduvae kalangam pola / Kalaiyum kuda mulaikudhu”
Compares a good-hearted person to a fertile paddy crop and bad qualities/evil people to unwanted weeds sprouting in between.
Alliteration (Monaai)
“Paattu paadi paranthu pogum / Paravai jaathiyae”
Repetition of the 'Pa' consonant sound across words ('Paattu', 'paadi', 'paranthu', 'Paravai') creating a rhythmic cadence mirroring a bird's flight.
Did you know?
Trivia
Arasilangkumari (1961) starred M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), Padmini, and Rajasree. The film's musical score was joint-composed by G. Ramanathan and S. M. Subbaiah Naidu. Sung primarily by S. Janaki with chorus, this song stands out as an early example of Kannadasan utilizing folk rhythms to deliver social commentary for MGR's cinema universe.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Arasilangkumari
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.