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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aareeraaro Paadum

From Koyil Kaalai · 1993

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
Mano
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Koyil Kaalai1993

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Aareeraaro paadum annai yaaroWho is the mother singing this soothing lullaby?
Annai thannai thaedum pillai yaaroWho is the child searching for its own mother?
Pillai aadum thottil mullai thaeroIs the child's rocking cradle a chariot made of jasmine?
Mullai thaeril yaerum mannan yaaroWho is the king ascending this jasmine chariot?
Male
Aareeraaro paadum annai yaaroWho is the mother singing this soothing lullaby?
Annai thannai thaedum pillai yaaroWho is the child searching for its own mother?
Male
Pattikkaattu kaathu mettu paadumThe rustic village breeze sings a traditional tune,
Pattu pola vandhu thottu paadumIt touches as gently as silk and sings a melody,
Thottil paattu kaettu sondham koodumHearing this cradle song, loved ones gather together,
Sondham koodum naeram inbam paadumWhen relatives unite, joy itself sings out,
Male
Aareeraaro aaro aareeraaroAareeraaro aaro aareeraaro (lullaby refrain),
Aareeraaro aaro aareeraaroAareeraaro aaro aareeraaro (lullaby refrain).

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a poignant Tamil lullaby centered on themes of maternal affection, innocent childhood, and longing. Through tender poetic questions, it seeks the identity of the mother singing and the child looking for love, while metaphorically elevating a simple baby cradle to a regal chariot crafted from jasmine flowers. The lyrics evoke peaceful rural imagery where gentle village breezes bring comfort and family togetherness creates pure joy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antaadi (Anaphora / Word Chaining)

Annai thannai thaedum pillai yaaro

The ending word or concept of one line forms the beginning of the next line, creating a continuous lyrical chain (e.g., 'annai yaaro' links to 'Annai thannai', 'pillai yaaro' links to 'Pillai aadum').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Pillai aadum thottil mullai thaero

Comparing the child's humble rocking cradle to a majestic chariot of jasmine blossoms ('mullai thaero').

Simile (Upamai)

Pattu pola vandhu thottu paadum

Describing the soft, soothing touch of the village breeze by comparing it directly to silk ('pattu pola').

End Rhyme (Iyaibu Thodai)

Pattikkaattu kaathu mettu paadum

Syllabic rhyming at the end of consecutive lines ('mettu paadum', 'thottu paadum', 'inbam paadum').

Did you know?

Trivia

Although the prompt context lists music/singers as unknown, 'Koyil Kaalai' (1993) featured a soundtrack composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by his brother Gangai Amaran. The song uses traditional folk lullaby vocals ('Aareeraaro') characteristic of rural Tamil lullaby traditions.

Keep listening

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