- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- G. Govindarajulu Naidu
- Movie name
- Maya Manithan
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Jan 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This mournful song expresses deep sorrow and heartbreak caused by betrayal and unfulfilled expectations. The protagonist laments how a person she loved and trusted turned out to be deceitful, comparing them to a wolf in sheep's clothing ('a tiger wearing a cow's skin'). The sudden turn of events shatters her world, leaving her weeping endlessly and feeling completely unsteady, just like a drop of water swaying precariously on a lotus leaf. As the song progresses, she reflects on how falling in love based on superficial appearances led to her emotional downfall. Her hopes for joy vanished like a passing dream, leaving her with profound pain. Realizing that dishonesty rules the world around her, she accepts grief as her permanent companion, leaving her heart restless and longing in vain.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uvamai Ani (Simile)
“Pasutholai porthiyulla vaengai polae”
Compares a deceitful person to a tiger disguised in cow's hide to highlight treachery.
Uvamai Ani (Simile)
“Thanneer thuli polae thadumaari nindru”
Compares her unstable emotional state to a water droplet slipping precariously on a lotus leaf.
Uvamai Ani (Simile)
“Alai polavae indru aadudhae veenae”
Compares her restless mind to an ocean wave tossing back and forth aimlessly.
Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Yengi yengi vaadudhae en manam”
The word 'yengi' (yearning) is repeated sequentially to emphasize intense sorrow and longing.
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Vanjagam vaazhum boomiyin melae / Sanjalam iniyendrum thunaiyaanadhaalae”
Matching second letter sound ('nja') in 'Vanjagam' and 'Sanjalam'.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Maya Manithan' (1958) was directed by T. P. Sundaram and produced under the banner of National Productions. The soundtrack was composed by G. Govindarajulu Naidu, featuring prominent songs written by lyricist A. Maruthakasi. P. Susheela's expressive vocal rendering effectively captures the tragic weight of the lyrics.
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