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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aaraaro Aasai Kanmaniye

From Kannin Manigal · 1956

Lyricist
Kambadasan
Singer
M. L. Vasanthakumari
Music director
S. V. Venkatraman
Details
Kannin Manigal1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aaraaro aarararoLullaby, hushaby
Aasai kanmaniyaBeloved apple of my eye
Aaraaro aarararoLullaby, hushaby
Mmm mhheem mmMmm mhheem mm
Mmm mhheem mmMmm mhheem mm
Female
Anbin dheepam idhaeThis is the lamp of love
Kurudaai anaivatho kaattrinilaeWill it be extinguished blindly in the wind?
Anbin dheepam idhaeThis is the lamp of love
Kurudaai anaivatho kaattrinilaeWill it be extinguished blindly in the wind?
Female
Chinnajchiru padakeO tiny little boat
Chinnajchiru padakeO tiny little boat
Vellam saervatho aattrinilaeWill it be overwhelmed by the flood in the river?
Female
Nalla veenai idhaeThis is a fine veena
Mannilae nalangeda erivaayoWill you throw it to perish in the dirt?
Amma nalla veenai idhaeOh, this fine veena
Female
Vanthathu vasanthamSpringtime has arrived
Vaazhvin kuyil aaduthaeThe cuckoo of life dances
Vaiyaththil kaalamTime in this world
Vaanil vilaiyaaduthaePlays games across the sky
Female
Enthanin nenjamoYet my heart alone
Yaengiyae vaaduthaeYearns and wilts away
Yaengiyae vaaduthaeYearns and wilts away
Iravum pagalumDay and night
Kanneeraa oduthaeFlows away in a river of tears
Female
Amma nalla veenai idhae…Oh, this fine veena...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song uses traditional lullaby elements combined with tragic metaphors to express deep worry, helplessness, and grief over a precious life. The singer compares the subject of affection to a delicate lamp exposed to a harsh wind, a tiny boat caught in a river flood, and a fine veena thrown into dust to be ruined. Even as spring arrives and nature rejoices, the singer's heart remains in continuous despair and endless tears.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Anbin dheepam idhae

Compares love/life to a lamp ('Anbin dheepam'), a small boat ('Chinnajchiru padake'), and a fine musical instrument ('Nalla veenai').

Rhetorical Question

Kurudaai anaivatho kaattrinilae

Expresses existential dread through unresolved questions about whether fate will ruin something precious.

Alliteration (Monaai)

Vanthathu vasantham / Vaazhvin kuyil aaduthae

Repetition of initial 'Va' and 'Vaa' sounds across consecutive lines to create a melodic rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

Rendered by Carnatic music legend M. L. Vasanthakumari, this song highlights the dramatic lyricism of Kambadasan set to composition by S. V. Venkatraman, showcasing a classic fusion of classical vocal expertise and theatrical film scoring of 1950s Tamil cinema.

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