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Lyrics & meaning

Valarum Jeevanada

From Asai Anna Arumai Thambi · 1955

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
T. V. Rathinam
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Asai Anna Arumai Thambi1955

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Malai pola thunbanal vanthaalumaeEven if sorrow comes like a huge mountain,
Un manamathu thalarnthidaathaeDo not let your heart lose courage.
Varunaala veeraraam nigazhkaala siruvargalToday's children are tomorrow's brave heroes,
Vaadaa nee paarththidaathaeDo not let them wither away, look after them.
Vaadaa nee paarththidaathaeDo not let them wither away, look after them.
Male
Valarum jeevanadaaThey are growing life, my friend!
Vasantha kaala thendraladaaThey are the gentle spring breeze, my friend!
Valarum jeevanadaaThey are growing life, my friend!
Vasantha kaala thendraladaaThey are the gentle spring breeze, my friend!
Mazhalai sollaalWith their lisping words,
Manam magizha seiyum selvamadaaThey are treasures that bring joy to the heart, my friend!
Mazhalai sollaalWith their lisping words,
Manam magizha seiyum selvamadaaThey are treasures that bring joy to the heart, my friend!
Male
Valarum jeevanadaaThey are growing life, my friend!
Vasantha kaala thendraladaaThey are the gentle spring breeze, my friend!
Male
Theruvil naadhiyillaamalUncared for on the streets,
ElumbumtholumaaiReduced to just skin and bones,
Theruvil naadhiyillaamalUncared for on the streets,
ElumbumtholumaaiReduced to just skin and bones,
Siruvargal kaiyaendhiyaeChildren begging with outstretched hands,
Thirivathai paarththidadaaLook at them wandering around!
Male
Valarum jeevanadaaThey are growing life, my friend!
Vasantha kaala thendraladaaThey are the gentle spring breeze, my friend!
Mazhalai sollaalWith their lisping words,
Manam magizha seiyum selvamadaaThey are treasures that bring joy to the heart, my friend!
Valarum jeevanadaaThey are growing life, my friend!
Vasantha kaala thendraladaaThey are the gentle spring breeze, my friend!
Male
Vilaiyum payir sezhiththidavaeFor the growing crops to flourish,
Veli katti kaaththidavaeProtect them by building a fence around them.
Kalaiyai neekkuvathaiTo weed out the unwanted elements,
Kadamaiyaaga nee kolladaaTake it upon yourself as your duty!
Ulagam thazhaiththidavaeFor the world to prosper,
Uyir naadi ivargaladaaThese children are the very pulse of life!
Male
Valarum jeevanadaaThey are growing life, my friend!
Vasantha kaala thendraladaaThey are the gentle spring breeze, my friend!
Valarum jeevanadaaThey are growing life, my friend!
Vasantha kaala thendraladaaThey are the gentle spring breeze, my friend!
Mazhalai sollaalWith their lisping words,
Manam magizha seiyum selvamadaaThey are treasures that bring joy to the heart, my friend!
Mazhalai sollaalWith their lisping words,
Manam magizha seiyum selvamadaaThey are treasures that bring joy to the heart, my friend!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a social reformist anthem written by A. Maruthakasi, focusing on the protection, care, and uplifting of children. It urges society not to lose hope in the face of immense hardships ('mountain of sorrow') and highlights that children living in poverty or wandering homeless are the future heroes of the nation. The song compares children to delicate growing crops that need a protective fence (careful guidance) and weeding (removing social evils) to flourish and prosper. By describing children as the spring breeze, precious treasures, and the pulse of the world, the lyricist calls upon everyone to fulfill their moral duty in nurturing the younger generation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uwamai)

Malai pola thunbanal vanthaalumae

Compares sorrow to a vast mountain ('Malai pola thunbanal') to highlight the magnitude of life's struggles.

Metaphor (Uruvagim)

Vasantha kaala thendraladaa

Directly equates growing children to the refreshing spring breeze ('Vasantha kaala thendraladaa') and the pulse of the world ('Uyir naadi').

Monaia (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Vilaiyum payir sezhiththidavae / Veli katti kaaththidavae

Repetition of the initial consonant sound 'V' across consecutive lines (Vilaiyum / Veli).

Agam / Agricultural Imagery

Vilaiyum payir sezhiththidavae

Uses agricultural metaphors like crops ('payir'), fences ('veli'), and weeding ('kalai') to signify nurturing child development.

Did you know?

Trivia

A. Maruthakasi was renowned for embedding strong social awareness and Gandhian reform principles in his lyrics during the 1950s. Asai Anna Arumai Thambi (1955) addressed themes of family bonds, ethical living, and child welfare during the golden era of social-drama Tamil cinema.

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