Spark of Fire

I have been listening to Bharathiyaar (the greatest tamil poet ever) songs lately, especially "Suttum Vizhi Chudarthaan". I have this CD that I got - Sikkil Gurucharan's voice with Anil Srinivasan on the piano. When the song begins, it feels like a pleasant rainfall in your heart.

I think its more to do with the lyrics. Non-Tamil readers please excuse. This song has created such an impact over the last few weeks that I decided I must write a post to try and bring out, perhaps the untold.

It brings out feelings of love and passion in such a beautiful manner, you'll understand when you read till the end.

suttum vizhich chudardhaan kannammaa sooriya chandhiraroa
vattak kariyavizhi kannammaa vaanak karumai kolloa
pattuk karuneelap pudavai padhiththa nal vayiram
natta nadu nisiyil theriyum natchaththirangaladi


The poet usually takes the reference of Kannamma, who in this song is young lady and a graceful lover.

He is amazed by the gaze of her eyes - compares that with the sun and the moon. The light from the orange sun during an early sunrise which is comparable to fire or the bright moon on a full moon day - both bring so much brightness to her appearance. Her round black eyeballs, for him, reminds of the darkness of the skies. Her sari, dark blue in color also signifies the night, but studded with diamonds is like the stars that decorate the beautiful night. In effect, he tells that her appearance is as enthralling as a sparkling night sky.

soalai malaroliyoa unadhu sundharap punnagaidhaan
neelak kadalalaiyae unadhu nenjilalaigaladi
koalak kuyiloasai unadhu kuralininimaiyadi
vaalaik kumariyadi kannammaa maruvak kaadhal kondaen

The colorful flowers in the garden. Imagine the sunflower that glows in the spring when the rays of the sun fall on its petals. Now imagine her smile - it brings out a brilliance and refulgence. The waves of her heart is now compared to the sea. Here it refers to the fluctuations of the thoughts. Her voice is sweeter than the sound of the koel. Oh virgin beauty, I am charmed by my love. Here, the end is a flawless declaration of love. Its the nascent love that when told, reflects on her smile, makes her heart waver and leap with happiness.

saaththiram paesugiraay kannammaa saaththiram aedhukkadi
aaththiram kondavarkkae kannammaa saaththiram undoadi
mooththavar sammadhiyil vadhuvai muraigal pinbu seyvoam
kaaththiruppaenoadi idhu paar kannaththu muththam onru

You speak of rules, but why do we need rules? Rules are only for the people who are impatient. The inner detail here is - our love is full of passion, so why should there be a boundary. The poet questions Kannamma and ensures that he gets her attention completely. Under the auspicious presence and acceptance of the elders, the marital procedures shall be conducted, but that will be later. Will I be waiting, look here, a kiss on the cheek. We can see the shift of impatience here. The poet initially tells that rules are for the impatient. Kannamma is aware of the poet's impatience and hence she has her rules, but the poet calls her twice here and tries to change her mind. For him and his deep love for her, she is already his. The wedding is just a ritual for the sake of the society.

In all this, we can see that the poet wants to express just pure love for his Kannamma. He is not bothered about the society because he has made up his mind already. His love is uncontrollable and flows like a stream as the song begins.