- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Movie name
- Thaiyalkaran
- Movie release year
- 1991
- Lyrics added on
- 9 Nov 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This melancholic and philosophical track from Thaiyalkaran reflects on the transient nature of human relationships and the pain of lost love. The song opens with a powerful metaphor comparing the world to a rented house where many people enter and leave, emphasizing that not everyone who crosses our path belongs in our life permanently. The protagonist laments how love turned out to be a deceptive mirage rather than a life-giving river like the Cauvery. Despite feeling burdened by sorrow and betrayed by fate, the singer chooses graceful acceptance over bitterness, wishing his beloved well in her new life while coming to terms with his own solitary journey.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamai (Simile) / Metaphor
“Ulagam oru vaadaga veedu”
Compares the temporary nature of world and human attachments to a rented house.
Simile (Polae)
“Kaadhal oru kaanalai polae / Nenachaen adhai kaaviri polae”
Contrasts love as a illusionary mirage versus a nourishing river.
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“Irundhadhu oru kili parandhadhu thani vazhi”
Refers to the departed loved one or fleeting joy as a parrot that flew away on its own path.
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Vaendaadha paasam / Vidiyaamal pochae”
Rhyming of the second letter 'ndha' in sequential lines for poetic flow.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by Deva for the 1991 Parthiban-starrer 'Thaiyalkaran', this song features lyrics by Vaali and vocals by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. It remains a popular Tamil philosophical song reflecting heartbreak and life's impermanence.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Thaiyalkaran
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.