- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- K. Rani
- Music directors
- S. Dakshinamurthi, G. Ramanathan
- Movie name
- Kalyani (1952)
- Movie release year
- 1952
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Oct 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song expresses profound despair, grief, and existential questioning from a soul burdened by relentless suffering. The protagonist laments that her life appears to hold nothing but sorrow, wondering if happiness is entirely elusive on earth. She feels her hopes fading like a mirage and her spirit burning in the fire of misery, ultimately turning to the divine Mother as her sole witness and refuge in her moment of utter helplessness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvam)
“Thunba theeyaalae mei sornthu manmaelae”
Sorrow is metaphorically portrayed as a burning fire ('Thunba theey') that physically and mentally wears down the body.
Simile / Metaphor
“Kaanal neeraai pomaa aasai vaanaamo”
Desires are compared to a mirage ('Kaanal neer'), symbolizing unfulfilled and elusive dreams.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Vaaduvaeno paavi vaazhumo aavi”
The repetition of matching rhythmic endings ('paavi', 'aavi') creates a melancholic, poetic cadence.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Kalyani' (1952) represents one of the early classic collaborations featuring lyrics by Kannadasan, whose mastery in expressing deep emotional agony and philosophical reflection became a hallmark of Tamil film lyricism.
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