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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aariraaro Paadum Ullam

From Ulle Veliye · 1993

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Ulle Veliye1993

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Ohooo …oooo…hoo..oooMelodic vocalizing
Hooo…ooo…oo.hooo..ooo..hooo…Melodic vocalizing
Male
Aariraaro paadum ullamThe heart that sings a lullaby
Thunba raagam isaikkaPlays a ragam of sorrow
Veettil aadum thottil ondruA cradle that sways at home
Kaidhi koondil asaiyaNow sways inside a prisoner's dock
Male
Enna paavam seidhaaloWhat sin did she commit?
Konjam koorungal ennippaarthuPlease think and tell me
Ezhai endrae vandhaalaeJust because she was born poor
Adhu thaanaa paavam endraachuDid that itself become a sin?
Male
Aariraaro paadum ullamThe heart that sings a lullaby
Thunba raagam isaikkaPlays a ragam of sorrow
Veettil aadum thottil ondruA cradle that sways at home
Kaidhi koondil asaiyaNow sways inside a prisoner's dock
Male
Pillai perum thaaigalukkoFor mothers giving birth to children
Kaiyil valai poottuvaarThey adorn their hands with bangles
Pedhai indha thaaiyikkennaBut for this innocent mother
Kai vilangu poottinaarWhy did they put handcuffs on her hands?
Male
Dharamam enna needhi ennaWhat is righteousness? What is justice?
Artham solla vaangadaaCome and explain the meaning of it!
Dheivam enna koyil ennaWhat is God? What is a temple?
Pootti vittu pongadaaJust lock them up and go away!
Siraiyil manidhan veliyaeMan is inside the prison, while outside
Eththanai mirugamHow many beasts roam free!
Male
Aariraaro paadum ullamThe heart that sings a lullaby
Thunba raagam isaikkaPlays a ragam of sorrow
Veettil aadum thottil ondruA cradle that sways at home
Kaidhi koondil asaiyaNow sways inside a prisoner's dock
Male
Enna paavam seidhaaloWhat sin did she commit?
Konjam koorungal ennippaarthuPlease think and tell me
Ezhai endrae vandhaalaeJust because she was born poor
Adhu thaanaa paavam endraachuDid that itself become a sin?
Male
Aariraaro paadum ullamThe heart that sings a lullaby
Thunba raagam isaikkaPlays a ragam of sorrow
Veettil aadum thottil ondruA cradle that sways at home
Kaidhi koondil asaiyaNow sways inside a prisoner's dock

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This emotional song from Ulle Veliye (1993) expresses intense grief and social criticism over the plight of an innocent mother caught in the legal system. It contrasts the traditional warmth of motherhood—typically celebrated with bangles and cradles—with the grim reality of handcuffs and prison cells, questioning if poverty itself is considered a sin by society. The lyricist sharply critiques the concepts of law, justice, and religion, highlighting the tragedy that virtuous human beings are locked away while cruel predators roam freely outside prison walls.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Irony / Antithesis

Veettil aadum thottil ondru / Kaidhi koondil asaiya

Contrasts a home cradle with a prison dock to emphasize the tragic shift in the mother's life.

Metaphor / Wordplay

Pillai perum thaaigalukko / Kaiyil valai poottuvaar / Pedhai indha thaaiyikkenna / Kai vilangu poottinaar

Contrasts 'valai' (bangles customarily given to mothers) with 'vilangu' (handcuffs), showcasing societal cruelty.

Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Ani)

Dharamam enna needhi enna / Artham solla vaangadaa

Uses direct, challenging questions to critique fake morality and legal injustice.

Did you know?

Trivia

Ulle Veliye (1993) was directed by Parthiban, who also starred in the lead role. The film's music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics written by the renowned poet Pulamaipithan.

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