- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Thyagam
- Movie release year
- 1978
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Jun 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic Kannadasan lyric meditates on the impermanence of human joy, relationships, and expectations. The song uses vivid metaphors—such as kolam art made in spring or lines drawn across the sky—to illustrate how happiness and grand dreams can instantly vanish. It portrays human life as fragile as a piece of paper tossed on ocean waves, pointing out the fickle dual nature of the human mind.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Vasantha kaala kolangal / Alaiyil aadum kaagidham”
Comparing fleeting happiness and temporal human lives to temporary spring decorations (kolams), fading clouds in the sky, and paper tossing on ocean waves.
Alliteration (Monaai)
“Kalaindhidum kanavugal / Kanneer sindhum ninaivugal”
Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound in 'Kalaindhidum' and 'Kanneer' creating a rhythmic melancholic flow.
Rhetorical Question
“Adhilum enna kaaviyam / Unnai marakka mudiyumaa”
Using questions to highlight the impossibility of finding permanence in unstable human bonds or forgetting divine grace.
Did you know?
Trivia
From the 1978 movie 'Thyagam' starring Sivaji Ganesan and Sujatha. Although credited here as unknown, the soundtrack was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, and this poignant solo was sung by S. Janaki.
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