- Lyricist
- Poovai Senguttavan
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- M. B. Sreenivas
- Movie name
- Dhaagam
- Movie release year
- 1974
- Lyrics added on
- 13 May 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This philosophical song uses the vivid metaphor of a melting candle to illustrate the virtues of selflessness and sacrifice. Just as a candle burns itself away to disperse darkness and give light to others, human beings must cultivate compassion and assist one another, as society cannot function if everyone lives solely for self-interest. The song serves as a powerful call to humanity, encouraging hearts dwelling in darkness and isolation to unite and illuminate the world through collective harmony and mutual care.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Nalla oli tharum mezhugu thiri”
The burning wax candle ('mezhugu thiri') is used as a central metaphor for selfless human sacrifice and devotion to society.
Alliteration (Moonaai)
“Irulil ulavum idhayam yaavum”
Repetition of the vowel sound 'I' at the beginning of adjacent words in the line ('Irulil', 'idhayam').
Anaphora / Refrain
“Urugidum velaiyilum Nalla oli tharum mezhugu thiri”
Repetition of the opening refrain throughout the song to continually emphasize the core theme of sacrifice.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Dhaagam' (1974) featured a distinct musical score by M. B. Sreenivas, a legendary composer known for incorporating choral arrangements and social harmony themes into South Indian film music. Lyricist Poovai Senguttavan composed these deeply philosophical lyrics reflecting anti-egoism and civic consciousness.
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