Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ulagam Sirikkuthada

From Ulagam Sirikirathu · 1959

Lyricist
Ra. Pazhanisami
Singer
C. S. Jayaraman
Music director
V. Dakshinamurthy
Details
Ulagam Sirikirathu1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Ulagam sirikkudhada manidhaO man, the world is laughing at you
Ulagam sirikkudhadaThe world is laughing
Manidha…aaa…aaa..aaO man... aaa... aaa.. aa
Ulagam sirikkudhadaThe world is laughing
Anbilae pirandhu valarndhuBeing born in love and raised in love
Vambil azhiyum nilaiyai kanduSeeing the state of perishing in petty conflicts
Ulagam sirikkudhada manidhaO man, the world is laughing at you
Ulagam sirikkudhadaThe world is laughing
Male
Panbum arivum thadutha podhumEven when character and wisdom try to stop him
Nanbanai kedithidum vanjaganThe deceitful man who ruins his own friend
Kangal irandilum kadalai perukkiCreating an ocean of tears in both his eyes
Kalangidum podhu udhadugal oramWhen he grieves, from the edges of its lips
Ulagam sirikkudhada manidha..aaO man, the world is laughing.. aa
Ulagam sirikkudhadaThe world is laughing
Male
Haaa…aaHaaa... aa
Ullathil vaithu uruvaakkiHolding them in the heart and shaping them
Dhinam palliyil veithu aalakkumSending them to school daily to make them great
Pettravar varunthida sirithavanThe one who laughed while his parents grieved
Mudivil pulambidum podhuWhen he finally wails in despair at the end
Pon idhazh thiarndhuOpening its golden lips
Ulagam sirikkudhada manidhaO man, the world is laughing at you
Ulagam sirikkudhadaThe world is laughing
Male
Pesum malaraam pengalaiWomen who are like talking flowers
Mannil pudhaithida ninaithavan sirikkindranThe man who thought to bury them in the earth laughs
Veesum neruppaam karppilaeIn chastity that blazes like fire
Avanum vega ulagam …As he too burns in it, the world...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic philosophical track serves as a stark commentary on human arrogance, betrayal, and the law of karma. It laments how humans are nurtured with love and education, yet grow up to betray friends, disrespect parents, and mistreat women. The central motif is the world or destiny looking on with a mocking smile as foolish individuals bring about their own eventual downfall through wicked deeds.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Refrain

Ulagam sirikkudhada manidha

The phrase 'Ulagam sirikkudhada' (The world is laughing, O man) is repeated throughout the song to constantly emphasize the central theme of moral irony.

Metaphor

Pesum malaraam pengalai

Describing women as 'talking flowers' (Pesum malar) to highlight their delicacy, innocence, and beauty.

Metaphor

Veesum neruppaam karppilae

Comparing a woman's virtue and chastity (Karppu) to a raging fire (Veesum neruppu) that can consume evil.

Hyperbole

Kangal irandilum kadalai perukki

Exaggerating a person's intense weeping as multiplying or creating an entire ocean in both eyes.

Edhugai (Tamil Second-letter Rhyme)

Anbilae pirandhu valarndhu / Vambil azhiyum nilaiyai kandu

The second consonant 'nb' in 'Anbilae' rhymes with 'mb' in 'Vambil', creating rhythmic harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

Sung with dramatic theatrical flair by the iconic C. S. Jayaraman, this song reflects the socio-philosophical tone prevalent in 1950s Tamil cinema, composed by legendary musician V. Dakshinamurthy.

Keep listening

More from Ulagam Sirikirathu