Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ambuliye Vaa

From Kumari · 1952

Lyricist
M. P. Sivan
Singer
P. Leela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Kumari1952

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Female
O..o..o..ambuliye vaaOh moon, come to me
O..ambuliye vaa…Oh moon, come to me...
Nee anbaagave vaa en koodaveCome lovingly, along with me
Female
Azhagaam odaiyin kulumai neerilaeIn the cool waters of a beautiful stream
Nizhalaai aadidum oliyae naerileOh light dancing directly like a reflection
Vilaiyaada inba velaiIt is a joyful time to play
O..o..o..ambuliye vaaOh moon, come to me
O..ambuliye vaa…Oh moon, come to me...
Nee anbaagave vaa en koodaveCome lovingly, along with me
Female
Punnagai kattum poo nilaveOh flower-like moon displaying a gentle smile
Poovai alli magizhum jodhiOh radiance that gathers flowers with delight
Ponnaatilae namm nannaatilaeIn our golden land, in our good land
Ponnaatilae namm nannaatilaeIn our golden land, in our good land
Pozhivaai mei saanthi veesa …neeShower down, spreading true peace... you
O..o..o..ambuliye vaaOh moon, come to me
O..ambuliye vaa…Oh moon, come to me...
Nee anbaagave vaa en koodaveCome lovingly, along with me
Female
Minnidum vaana veedhiyil ulaavumStrolling along the glittering street of the sky
Minnidum vaana veedhiyil ulaavumStrolling along the glittering street of the sky
Meen vizhi thaarai meedhilaa premaiIs there love directed towards the fish-eyed stars?
Kannimai aadum vegam polaeJust like the swift speed of an eye blinking
Kaanum kadhal mogam koodumThe passion of visible love grows
Vinodhanae mugha vilasanaeOh wondrous one with an enchanting face
Viraivagha vennilaave vaaCome quickly, oh white moon
O..o..o..ambuliye vaaOh moon, come to me
O..ambuliye vaa…Oh moon, come to me...
Nee anbaagave vaa en koodaveCome lovingly, along with me

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic song 'Ambuliye Vaa' is a playful and gentle invocation to the moon, inviting it down to play as if it were a beloved companion. Set against tranquil imagery of cool flowing streams, golden lands, and glittering night skies, the singer calls upon the radiant moon to bring peace, joy, and warmth to the earth.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Personification

“Nee anbaagave vaa en koodave”

The moon ('Ambuli') is personified as a friend invited to walk, play, and smile alongside the singer.

Metaphor

“Punnagai kattum poo nilave”

'Poo nilave' directly compares the moon to a gentle blossom, while 'Meen vizhi' uses the fish-eye metaphor for stars.

Monai (Initial Rhyme/Alliteration)

“Ponnaatilae namm nannaatilae”

Repetition of initial consonant/vowel sounds like 'P' in 'Ponnaatilae' and 'n' in 'nannaatilae'.

Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

“Azhagaam odaiyin kulumai neerilae / Nizhalaai aadidum oliyae naerile”

The second letter consonant sound 'zh' rhymes across consecutive lines ('Azhagaam' / 'Nizhalaai').

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1952 Tamil film 'Kumari', this song was composed by K. V. Mahadevan during the early phase of his distinguished career. Rendered by the legendary playback singer P. Leela, the song draws inspiration from traditional Tamil children's lullabies that playfully address 'Ambuli' (the moon).

Keep listening

More from Kumari