- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Kalyana Kalam
- Movie release year
- 1982
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Mar 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a sharp critique of societal norms surrounding marriage, patriarchy, and the dowry system in contemporary India. Lyricist Vairamuthu uses poignant allegories to depict how traditional practices, rigid customs, and forced matches burden young men and women. Instead of being a joyous celebration, marriage becomes an oppressive ritual where truth is masked, brides age waiting for dowry-free proposals, and individuals are forced into hypocrisy.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Varathatchanai vil murikka aalillaiyo”
Comparing the social evil of dowry to the formidable bow of Lord Shiva ('Varathatchanai vil'), suggesting it requires monumental heroic effort to destroy.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Kalyaana kosham santhosha vesham / Kanneeril vaasam poomaalai veesum”
The rhyming end sounds in 'kosham', 'vesham', 'vaasam', and 'pesum' create a rhythmic contrast highlighting fake happiness vs grim reality.
Personification
“Udhadum manasum pagaiyaaga kandaen”
Depicting the lips and the mind as two opposing enemies, symbolizing internal conflict and forced dishonesty due to societal pressure.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by the legendary duo Shankar-Ganesh and rendered passionately by S. P. Balasubramanyam, 'Vaazhum samuthaayamae' stands out as one of Vairamuthu's early socially conscious philosophical songs from the 1982 film Kalyana Kalam.
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