- Lyricist
- S. A. Rajkumar
- Singer
- Malaysia Vasudevan
- Music director
- S. A. Rajkumar
- Movie name
- Poovum Puyalum
- Movie release year
- 1988
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Apr 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Vaa Thambhi Sagayam' from Poovum Puyalum (1988) is an energetic social awakening song calling upon the youth to rise against political corruption and social apathy. It laments how the independence obtained at midnight has been squandered due to public indifference and inaction. The song critiques corrupt political speeches, the power of money over law, and how the poor remain oppressed while society loses its moral compass. Encouraging courage over fear, the lyricist urges the public to break the shackles of servitude, punish injustice, and wake up dormant freedom to build a brand new, righteous society.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monorhyme (Iyaibu)
“Gaandhi kanda kanavu enna aachu / Ippa kadavulaiyum thirudum kaalam aachu”
The use of matching ending sounds ('aachu') in consecutive lines establishes a rhythmic, conversational flow while highlighting social decay.
Repetition (Adukkuthodar)
“Thoongi thoonghi thoonghi”
Repetition of the word 'Thoongi' (sleeping) emphasizes the continuous apathy and collective slumber of society since independence.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Adimai vilanga odaikkanum / Pudhiya ulagam padaikkanum”
Refers to societal oppression as physical 'chains of slavery' (adimai vilangu) that need to be broken to create a better world.
Did you know?
Trivia
Poovum Puyalum (1988) featured music composed by S. A. Rajkumar, who also penned the lyrics for this track. Delivered with trademark vigor by singer Malaysia Vasudevan, the song stands as a classic late-1980s Tamil cinema socio-political protest anthem.
Keep listening
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