- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singer
- K. S. Chitra
- Music director
- Sampath Selvam
- Movie name
- Odangal
- Movie release year
- 1986
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Dec 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Yaen Azhuthaai Magale' from the movie Odangal (1986) is a tragic lullaby sung by a helpless mother to her infant daughter. Plagued by extreme poverty and misfortune, the mother laments her harsh reality, wondering why her innocent child was born into such suffering. She metaphorically compares tears to mother's milk, emphasizing the absolute deprivation and sorrow into which the baby has arrived.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai Ani)
“Oodam pola odugindren”
The speaker compares her aimless, endlessly wandering life to a boat ('oodam pola') drifting across water without finding a shore.
Metaphor (Rupakam)
“Kanneerthaan thaaipaal endru”
Tears are metaphorically equated to mother's milk, highlighting the tragic lack of actual sustenance and comfort for the infant.
Anaphora / Alliteration (Monai)
“Poli maalai poli thaali”
The word 'Poli' (fake) is repeated consecutively for rhythmic emphasis on deceitful social arrangements.
Symbolism
“Vaettaiyaadum kaattu vaengai”
The 'hunting forest tiger' symbolizes oppressive authority or harsh societal forces that show no mercy to the weak.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Odangal' (1986) features poignant lyrics by master lyricist Vairamuthu, known for using rural imagery and deep emotional metaphors to portray human struggle and maternal grief.
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