- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Music director
- Chandrabose
- Movie name
- Manithan
- Movie release year
- 1987
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Oct 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Vaanathai Paarthen' from the film Manithan (1987) is a philosophical commentary on society, morality, and human nature. The protagonist reflects on his time in prison versus his time in society, pointing out the hypocrisy of societal judgment. He notes that not everyone imprisoned is truly guilty, nor is everyone walking free a saint like Buddha or Gandhi. The lyrics question existential theories of evolution and theology, highlighting the moral bankruptcy and lack of genuine humanity in the modern world.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Rhyme / Monorhyme (Iyaiputh Thodai)
“Vaanathai paarthen / Bhoomiyai paarthen”
The line endings 'paarthen' and 'paarkalaiyae' establish a rhythmic cadence across stanzas.
Antithesis / Contrast (Muran)
“Ulla pona aththanai perum Kuthavaali illeenga / Veliyae ulla aththanai perum Buddhan gandhi illeenga”
Contrasts those inside prison ('Ulla pona') with those on the outside ('Veliyae ulla') to point out moral hypocrisy.
Juxtaposition / Metaphor
“Sila naal irundhen karuvarayil / Pala naal kidandhen sirai araiyil”
Compares the peaceful environment of the mother's womb ('karuvarayil') with the harsh reality of a prison cell ('sirai araiyil').
Allusion
“Yaarai kelvi ketpadhu Darwin illayae…”
References historical and philosophical figures such as Charles Darwin, Buddha, and Mahatma Gandhi to question human moral evolution.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is picturized on Rajinikanth in the 1987 blockbuster film 'Manithan', directed by S. P. Muthuraman. Music for this film was composed by Chandrabose, with vocals by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. The track serves as the protagonist's entry/philosophical theme song reflecting his wrongful imprisonment.
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