- Lyricist
- Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, P. Susheela
- Music director
- Salil Chowdhury
- Movie name
- Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam
- Movie release year
- 1980
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Nov 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This folk song from Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam captures the courage, perseverance, and faith of the fishing community battling the dangerous sea. Driven by traditional rowing chants like 'Ailasaa', the fishermen vow to stay as brave as tigers and as immovable as mountains against violent storms and torrential rains. Simultaneously, the song highlights the longing and prayers of their families waiting onshore in humble huts, seeking the protection of Goddess Pambaa Devi for a safe return and a victorious future.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Puliyaipol nirpom / Malaiyaipolae nirpom”
Compares the bravery and resolve of the fishermen against storms and rain to tigers and mountains.
Second-Letter Rhyme (Edhugai)
“Valai yeanthi kolvom / Alai neenthi selvom”
The second consonant 'la' matches in consecutive lines, adding rhythmic harmony.
Folk Refrain (Ailasaa)
“Ailasaa hoho haiyaa”
A rhythmic work song chant used by Tamil fishermen to synchronize physical labor while rowing and pulling nets.
Did you know?
Trivia
Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam (1980), directed by K. Vijayan, is a realism-driven art film depicting the lives of coastal Tamil fishermen. The soundtrack was composed by the legendary Salil Chowdhury, featuring lyrics written by Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam that authentically incorporate traditional Tamil maritime folk chants.
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