- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Music director
- V. Kumar
- Movie name
- Velli Vizha
- Movie release year
- 1972
- Lyrics added on
- 13 May 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Unakenna Kurachaal' is a philosophical and comforting track from the 1972 Tamil film 'Velli Vizha'. It speaks directly to an individual reaching old age—specifically sixty years old—encouraging them to embrace aging with grace, self-respect, and regal dignity ('Nee Oru Raja'). It conveys that loneliness cannot exist if a person finds companionship within themselves. The lyricist Vaali reflects on time's transience: the past cannot return, the present may lack passion, and the future holds fewer new beginnings. Despite these realities of aging, the song offers hope, reminding that cherished happy memories serve as a bridge to peace, completely overcoming solitude.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“Adharku inbam dhaanae paalam”
Happiness is described as a bridge connecting a searching heart to emotional peace.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Thirumbuvadhu illai / virumbuvadhu illai / arumbuvadhu illai”
The lines end with the rhyming word 'illai', creating a rhythmic cadence reflecting impossibility and reality.
Monaai (Alliteration)
“Thanakku thaanae / Thunai ena ninaithaal”
Repetition of the 'Th' sound at the beginning of adjacent words ('Thanakku thaanae', 'Thunai').
Refrain / Epizeuxis
“Vandhaal varatum mudhumai”
The repetition of 'Vandhaal varatum mudhumai' emphasizes calm acceptance and welcoming of old age without fear.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Velli Vizha' (1972) was directed by the legendary K. Balachander, starring Gemini Ganesan, Jayanthi, and Vanisri. The music for this film was composed by V. Kumar, a frequent collaborator of K. Balachander during his early career, with lyrics penned by Vaali.
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