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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Aasai Kiliye

From Bhagyavathi · 1957

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Leela
Music director
S. Dakshinamurthi
Details
Bhagyavathi1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aasaikiliyae azagu silaiyaeOh parrot of my heart, beautiful sculpted statue,
Amutha nilaiyae selvamaeOh state of immortal nectar, my precious treasure,
Aasaikiliyae azagu silaiyaeOh parrot of my heart, beautiful sculpted statue,
Amutha nilaiyae selvamaeOh state of immortal nectar, my precious treasure,
Female
Vaasamalarae pesum piraiyaeOh fragrant flower, oh speaking crescent moon,
Vaazhvin nithiyae thoongadaaOh treasure of my life, sleep gently.
Vaazhvin nithiyae thoongadaaOh treasure of my life, sleep gently.
Female
Maasilaa oli veesa piranthaBorn to radiate flawless and pure light,
Vairamaniyae inbamaeOh brilliant diamond gem, my true bliss,
Vasanthakaala thendralaeOh refreshing breeze of the spring season,
En vaazhvin nithiyae thoongadaa…Oh treasure of my life, sleep gently...
Vaazhvin nithiyae thoongadaaOh treasure of my life, sleep gently.
Female
Aasaikiliyae azagu silaiyaeOh parrot of my heart, beautiful sculpted statue,
Amutha nilaiyae selvamaeOh state of immortal nectar, my precious treasure,
Female
Kuzhalum yaazhum inimai tharumoCan the sound of the flute and the lute offer true sweetness,
Mazhalai inbam polavaeWhen compared to the delight of a baby's innocent babble?
Aaa…..aa….aa….aa…..Vocalizing melodic notes...
Female
Kuzhalum yaazhum inimai tharumoCan the sound of the flute and the lute offer true sweetness,
Mazhalai inbam polavaeWhen compared to the delight of a baby's innocent babble?
Kodi kodi selvamellaamCan crores upon crores of material wealth,
Kuzhanthaikkeedu aagumoEver equal the supreme gift of a child?
Vaazhvin nithiyae thoongadaaOh treasure of my life, sleep gently.
Female
Vaasamalarae pesum piraiyaeOh fragrant flower, oh speaking crescent moon,
Vaazhvin nithiyae thoongadaaOh treasure of my life, sleep gently.
Vaazhvin nithiyae thoongadaaOh treasure of my life, sleep gently.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic Tamil lullaby expresses a mother's profound love and adoration as she sings her child to sleep. She showers the baby with affectionate epithets, comparing her child to precious gems, sweet nectar, fragrant spring breezes, and a talking crescent moon, portraying the child as the ultimate treasure of her existence.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Aasaikiliyae azagu silaiyae / Amutha nilaiyae selvamae

The child is directly metaphorized into various cherished entities like 'Aasaikili' (Parrot of desires), 'Amutha nilai' (Abode of nectar), 'Vaasamalar' (Fragrant flower), and 'Vairamani' (Diamond gem).

Vinaa Ani (Rhetorical Question)

Kuzhalum yaazhum inimai tharumo / Mazhalai inbam polavae

The lyricist uses rhetorical questions to emphasize that no musical instrument or material wealth can match the sweet babble and worth of a child.

Allusion (Thirukkural Reference)

Kuzhalum yaazhum inimai tharumo / Mazhalai inbam polavae

The lines explicitly echo Thirukkural Couplet 66 ('Kuzhalinithu yaazhinithu enpatham makkal mazhalai choll kelaathavar'), drawing from classical literature to celebrate a child's voice.

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Trivia

The line 'Kuzhalum yaazhum inimai tharumo' is a direct poetic adaptation of couplet 66 from the ancient Tamil treatise Thirukkural, written by Thiruvalluvar. The song stands out as one of P. Leela's finest lullaby performances in Tamil cinema.

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