- Lyricist
- Mayavanathan
- Singer
- K. B. Sundarambal
- Music director
- R. Sudharsanam
- Movie name
- Poompuhar
- Movie release year
- 1964
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Feb 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This deeply philosophical song from the movie Poompuhar explores human resilience, detachments, transience, and stoic optimism in the face of sorrow. It asserts that hardship cleanses the soul and human shoulders exist precisely to carry life's heavy burdens. Earthly bonds like family, home, and attachments exist to teach us love, but ultimately must be relinquished. The lyrics encourage perseverance by drawing parallels to nature, where night inevitably yields to day and every loss makes future joy twice as meaningful. Citing the classic wisdom of Thiruvalluvar, the song advocates facing adversity with laughter and treating failures as stepping stones to ultimate success.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Urvagam)
“Uyir vilakkaetri vaithu”
'Uyir vilakkaetri vaithu' compares life to a lit lamp placed within a bird's nest (body), symbolizing the temporal nature of existence.
Metaphor (Urvagam)
“Tholvi ellaam vetrikkaana padigal illaiyaa”
'Tholvi ellaam vetrikkaana padigal' explicitly frames failures as physical stepping stones required to climb up toward victory.
Allusion (Ilakkiya Kurippu)
“Valluvan thunbam vandhaal Sirikka cholli paadavillaiyaa”
Direct reference to Tamil philosopher Thiruvalluvar and his famous Kural 'Idukkan Varungkal Naguga' (Laugh when troubles arrive).
Initial Assonance (Monaai)
“Uravaadum panbu thannai / Ullam ellaam serthu vaithu”
Repetition of the vowel sound 'U' at the beginning of consecutive lines ('Uravaadum' and 'Ullam').
Did you know?
Trivia
Poompuhar (1964) is a historical Tamil epic film adapted from the ancient literary classic Silappatikaram, with dialogues written by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. The music for the film was composed by R. Sudarsanam.
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