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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aanantha Thottilukku

From Murugan Adimai · 1977

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Murugan Adimai1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Anandha thottilukku appalum ippalumBeyond and on this side of the cradle of joy,
Yen indha vedikkai iraivaaWhy this amusement, Lord?
Idhu thanundhan needhikku niraivaIs this the fulfillment of your justice?
Anandha thottilukku appalum ippalumBeyond and on this side of the cradle of joy,
Yen indha vedikkai iraivaaWhy this amusement, Lord?
Idhu thanundhan needhikku niraivaIs this the fulfillment of your justice?
Female
Varugindra mudivinai munn kootti therindhadhilKnowing the coming end in advance,
Azhugindra thaaiyullam ingaeHere is the weeping heart of a mother.
Varugindra mudivinai munn kootti therindhadhilKnowing the coming end in advance,
Azhugindra thaaiyullam ingaeHere is the weeping heart of a mother.
Aval azhugindra karanam anandham endrenniThinking the reason for her weeping is happiness,
Anaikindra thandhaiyum ingaeHere is the father who embraces her.
Idhil nee vaitha ragasiyam engaeWhere is the secret you have hidden in this?
Female
MurugaOh Lord Muruga!
Anandha thottilukku appalum ippalumBeyond and on this side of the cradle of joy,
Yen indha vedikkai iraivaaWhy this amusement, Lord?
Idhu thanundhan needhikku niraivaIs this the fulfillment of your justice?
Female
Thalattu kadanthoru sappani paruvathilPassing the stage of lullabies to the crawling infant stage,
Thathi thathi nadanthathu pillaiThe child toddled and walked around.
Idhai seerattavoo illai neerattavoo endruWondering whether to fondle or bathe this child,
Porattam kondathu annaiThe mother wrestled with her emotions.
Female
Thalattu kadanthoru sappani paruvathilPassing the stage of lullabies to the crawling infant stage,
Thathi thathi nadanthathu pillaiThe child toddled and walked around.
Idhai seerattavoo illai neerattavoo endruWondering whether to fondle or bathe this child,
Porattam kondathu annaiThe mother wrestled with her emotions.
Female
Ezhuvadhai kandathum iruppadhai kadanthoruSeeing the child rise and cross the present stage,
Ezhubathai ninaithathu sindhaiThe mind thought of the age of seventy.
Ezhuvadhai kandathum iruppadhai kadanthoruSeeing the child rise and cross the present stage,
Ezhubathai ninaithathu sindhaiThe mind thought of the age of seventy.
Indru seerattum kulandhaiyaiThinking the world will praise
parattum ulgendruthe child being pampered today,
Kondattam idugindra thandhaiHere is the father who celebrates in delight.
Indha thindattam unakkoru vindhaiIs this struggle just a wonder to you?
Female
MurugaOh Lord Muruga!
Anandha thottilukku appalum ippalumBeyond and on this side of the cradle of joy,
Yen indha vedikkai iraivaaWhy this amusement, Lord?
Idhu thanundhan needhikku niraivaIs this the fulfillment of your justice?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Anandha Thottilukku from the film Murugan Adimai (1977) is a deeply moving philosophical Tamil song written by Kannadasan and sung by P. Susheela. It portrays the intense emotional agony of a mother who knows a tragic future awaiting her child, contrasting her secret heartbreak with the father's innocent joy as he blissfully celebrates every milestone of the baby's growth. The song questions Lord Murugan about the enigma of divine play and justice, highlighting the bittersweet journey of parenthood overshadowed by fate.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Repetition / Onomatopoeia)

Thathi thathi nadanthathu pillai

The repetition of 'thathi' mimics the rhythmic, unsteady steps of a young infant learning to walk.

Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Ezhuvadhai kandathum iruppadhai kadanthoru / Ezhubathai ninaithathu sindhai

The second letter consonant sound 'zhu' (ழு) in 'Ezhuvadhai' and 'Ezhubathai' creates internal Tamil poetic harmony.

Ethirai (Antithesis)

Anandha thottilukku appalum ippalum

Contrasting terms 'appalum' (beyond) and 'ippalum' (this side) emphasize the dual sides of joy and sorrow surrounding the cradle.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by K. V. Mahadevan for Murugan Adimai (1977), this song is celebrated for Kannadasan's mastery in capturing complex human emotions and maternal distress. The track highlights traditional Tamil terms for infant growth stages like 'sappani paruvam' (crawling stage).

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