- Lyricist
- Bharathidasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- R. Sudharsanam
- Movie name
- Mani Magudam
- Movie release year
- 1966
- Lyrics added on
- 3 May 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Valiyor Silar Eliyor Thamai is a passionate revolutionary song written by Puratchi Kavignar Bharathidasan for the film Mani Magudam (1966). The lyrics question the arrogance of tyrannical rulers and the wealthy who oppress the weak, challenging the false assumption that autocratic rule or monarchical power is permanent. The song passionately urges virtuous people to awaken from slumber and rise like brave tigers to overthrow cruelty and injustice.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai / Metaphor)
“Kugaivaazh oru puliyae”
Compares a righteous human filled with noble virtues to a brave tiger waiting inside a cave ('Kugaivaazh oru puliyae').
Rhetorical Question
“Maharajargal ulagaaludhal Nilaiyaam enum ninaivaa”
Uses dramatic questioning to challenge the permanence of oppressive monarchies and social inequality.
Ethukai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Valiyor silar eliyor thamai”
The second consonant 'li' rhymes across contrasting terms to highlight social contrast between the powerful ('Valiyor') and the weak ('Eliyor').
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by Bharathidasan, one of Tamil literature's greatest Dravidian rationalist poets, this song reflects strong anti-feudal and democratic ideals. The film Mani Magudam starred S. S. Rajendran, a prominent actor-politician in Tamil cinema known for delivering powerful reformist dialogues.
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