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Lyrics & meaning

Aani Muthu

From Bama Vijayam · 1967

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
P. Susheela, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, L. R. Eswari
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Bama Vijayam1967

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aani muthu vaangi vandhenI bought pure pearls
aavani veedhiyilaeOn the street during the month of Aavani
Female
Alli vaithu paarthirundhenI gathered them and observed them
azhagu kaigalilaeIn my beautiful hands
Female
Aani muthu vaangi vandhenI bought pure pearls
aavani veedhiyilaeOn the street during the month of Aavani
Female
Alli vaithu paarthirundhenI gathered them and observed them
azhagu kaigalilaeIn my beautiful hands
Female
Noolai edukavum maalai thodukavumTo pick up the thread and string a garland
Neram illaiyadiyoIs there no time, my friend?
Noolai edukavum maalai thodukavumTo pick up the thread and string a garland
Neram illaiyadiyo..adiyooIs there no time, my friend?
Female
Enni vaithen ezhettu muthukal kaanavillaiI counted seven or eight pearls, but they are missing
Female
Yeritu naan adhai paarkavillaiI did not look up and see them
Maarbilum naan alli soodavillaiNor did I gather and wear them on my chest
Female
Enni vaithen ezhettu muthukal kaanavillaiI counted seven or eight pearls, but they are missing
Female
Yeritu naan adhai paarkavillaiI did not look up and see them
Maarbilum naan alli soodavillaiNor did I gather and wear them on my chest
Female
Andha kannathil ennadi mutham onnuWhat is that kiss on that cheek?
Endha kallathanathil vandhadhadiIn what sneaky way did it come?
Female
Vaangi koduthadhum thaangi pidithadhumWhat was bought and given, and what was received and held
Muthukalpol vandhu sindhudhadiIs falling and spilling like pearls!
Female
Oru muthu iru muthuOne pearl, two pearls
Moomuthu naalmuthu ammamaaThree pearls, four pearls, Oh my!
Female
Pennuku ethanai muthamadiHow many pearls/kisses are there for a woman?
Pennuku ethanai muthamadiHow many pearls/kisses are there for a woman?
Female
Aani muthu vaangi vandhenI bought pure pearls
aavani veedhiyilaeOn the street during the month of Aavani
Alli vaithu paarthirundhenI gathered them and observed them
azhagu kaigalilaeIn my beautiful hands
Female
Hoo oo oo oo oooHoo oo oo oo ooo
Female
Hoo oo oo oo oooHoo oo oo oo ooo
Female
Hoo oo oo oo oooHoo oo oo oo ooo
Female
Hoo oo oo oo oooHoo oo oo oo ooo
Female
Haa.a.aa.a.aa..aaaHaa a aa a aa aaa
Female
Maamanmakkal thediya selvangalFor whom are the riches earned by cousins/family?
yaarukadiThey are for the playing children!
Female
Aadidum pillaigal perukadiThe remaining wealth is for the town!
Minjiya selvangal oorukadiBy living here with whatever is in hand
Female
Kaiyil ulladhai kondingu vaazhvadhilePeace will reside in this household
Indha illathil nimmadhi vaazhumadiBy living here with whatever is in hand
Female
Kaiyil ulladhai kondingu vaazhvadhilaePeace will reside in this household
Indha illathil nimmadhi vaazhumadiBetween the welfare of the home and the welfare of the nation
Female
Veetin nalathukum naatin nalathukumThere is no difference at all, my friend
Vetrumai enbadhae IllaiyadiBetween the welfare of the home and the welfare of the nation
Female
Veetin nalathukum naatin nalathukumThere is no difference at all, my friend
Vetrumai enbadhae illaiyadiFor the home
Female
VeetukuFor the children
Female :PillaikuFor the town
Female :OorukuFor the nation
Female :NaatukuSharing and living brings peace forever
All :Pangitu vaazhvadhu endraikum nimmadhiSharing and living brings peace forever
Pangitu vaazhvadhu endraikum nimmadhiHoo oo oo hoo oo oo
Hoo oo oo hoo oo ooHaa aaaa aa aa
Haa.aaaa.aa.aa…Hmm mm mm mm hmm mm mm
Hmm mm mm mm hmm mm mm

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Aani Muthu Vaangi Vandhen' from Bama Vijayam is a lighthearted yet deeply philosophical track featuring three sisters-in-law interacting while working. Using the metaphor of 'muthu' (pearls/kisses), the lyricist playfully addresses affection between partners, family bonds, and child-rearing. The lyrics shift from affectionate banter about domestic life and love to a profound social message on contentment, emphasizing that happiness comes from living within one's means and sharing resources among family, community, and country.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Siledai / Double Entendre (Pun)

Andha kannathil ennadi mutham onnu / Muthukalpol vandhu sindhudhadi

The word 'Muthu' functions as a double entendre representing both physical pearls (jewelry) and 'Mutham' (kisses), creating a clever poetic interplay.

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

Aani muthu vaangi vandhen / aavani veedhiyilae

The second letter 'ni' in 'Aani' matches with 'va'/'na' sound structure, while 'Noolai' and 'Neram' present traditional Tamil rhyming harmony across lines.

Anaphora (Repetition for emphasis)

Oru muthu iru muthu / Moomuthu naalmuthu ammamaa

Repetition of numerical progression (Oru muthu, iru muthu, moomuthu, naalmuthu) builds rhythmic momentum and playful imagery.

Monai (Initial letter alliteration)

Veetin nalathukum naatin nalathukum / Vetrumai enbadhae Illaiyadi

Initial letter 'V' is repeated in 'Veetin' and 'Vetrumai' creating melodic harmony.

Did you know?

Trivia

Bama Vijayam (1967), directed by K. Balachander, features this famous song picturized on Rajasthan-style middle-class domestic unity. The song relies heavily on the wordplay between 'Muthu' (pearls) and 'Mutham' (kiss), sung effortlessly by the trio P. Susheela, Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi, and L. R. Eswari under M. S. Vishwanathan's iconic composition.

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