- Lyricist
- Poonguyilan
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Needhi Pizhaithathu
- Movie release year
- 1981
- Lyrics added on
- 15 Jun 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Needhi Pizhaithathu' features this energetic, socially conscious track sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. The protagonist uses poetry and music as powerful instruments to awaken the masses. He criticizes hypocritical leaders who posture as noble men on the world stage while oppressing the working class and embezzling people's rights. The lyricist metaphorically notes that although independence was gained at midnight, society fell asleep in the daylight, allowing opportunistic oppressors to rule. The song calls for unity, awareness, and social transformation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor / Hyperbole
“Naan kan imaikkum kaalaththirkul / Kai nodikkum neraththirkul / Padal oru kodi solluvaen”
The singer hyperbolically claims he can sing a crore (ten million) songs in the blink of an eye or snap of a finger to show the speed and power of revolutionary poetry.
Antithesis / Contrast
“Iravil sudhanthiram vaangi kondom / Pagalil anaivarum thoongi vittom”
Contrasts obtaining independence in the night with falling asleep during daylight, symbolizing societal apathy post-independence.
Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Udhattil dharmam manaththil maramam”
The second letter 'dh' ('th') rhymes across consecutive lines (Udhattil / Enna / etc.) creating rhythmic cadence in Tamil lyricism.
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Trivia
'Needhi Pizhaithathu' (1981) featured music composed by the legendary duo Shankar-Ganesh. The song showcases SPB's vibrant vocal delivery in delivering socio-political commentary through rhythmic poetry.
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