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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Amma Amma

From Aandi Petra Selvan · 1957

Lyricist
Puratchi Dasan
Singer
R. Balasaraswathy
Music director
T. Chalapathi Rao
Details
Aandi Petra Selvan1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Amma amma amma enaHearing the sweet call of 'Mother, Mother, Mother'
Indru kettu naan magizhnthaenaeHearing it today, I rejoiced with immense joy
Sinthaikaaruthal magizhnthaalaeFinding deep solace and comfort in my heart
Adhai indru kettu naan magizhnthaenaeHearing that call today, I rejoiced
Sinthaikaaruthal magizhnthaalaeFinding deep solace and comfort in my heart
Female
Visaaramindri valiyumindriWithout any worries, without any pain
Ennai ammaavena vaayaara mozhinthaaiYou called me 'Mother' with all your heart
Indru kettu naan magizhnthaenaeHearing it today, I rejoiced
Sinthaikaaruthal magizhnthaalaeFinding deep solace and comfort in my heart
Female
Sinthai magizhnthidum enthan paalaganMy little child who delights my heart
Sinthai magizhnthidum enthan paalaganMy little child who delights my heart
Punnagai mugamae aaruthal kodukkumYour smiling face brings such comforting peace
Sinthai magizhnthidum enthan paalaganMy little child who delights my heart
Punnagai mugamae aaruthal kodukkumYour smiling face brings such comforting peace
Female
Kallam kabadamae illaap pillaiyaiTo this child devoid of any guile or deceit
Kallam kabadamae illaap pillaiyaiTo this child devoid of any guile or deceit
Kaappaai enthan devathayaalaaMay my guardian deity protect you always
Kannae keladaa magizhnthaenaeListen to me, my dear child, I rejoiced today
Sinthaikaaruthal magizhnthaalaeFinding deep solace and comfort in my heart
Female
Ninthaigal thondriya vaazhkkai yaedhoA life that was once plagued by insults and blame
Ninthaigal thondriya vaazhkkai yaedhoA life that was once plagued by insults and blame
Viduthalai piranthathu seerongaHas now found liberation to blossom with grace
Viduthalai piranthathu seerongaHas now found liberation to blossom with grace
Female
En magan neeyae kann kalangaataheYou are my beloved son, do not shed tears
En magan neeyae kann kalangaataheYou are my beloved son, do not shed tears
En kannae nee un thaai naanaeMy precious child, I am indeed your mother
Entha naalilum piriyaenaeI will never part from you on any day
Sinthaikaaruthal magizhnthaalaeFinding deep solace and comfort in my heart
Female
Amma amma amma enaHearing the sweet call of 'Mother, Mother, Mother'
Indru kettu naan magizhnthaenaeHearing it today, I rejoiced with immense joy

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This heartfelt lullaby from 'Aandi Petra Selvan' captures the pure, overwhelming bliss of a mother hearing her child call her 'Amma' for the first time. The innocent voice of her child acts as a healing balm, washing away all her past sorrow, worries, and societal pain. She marvels at her son's pure, guileless smile, which brings immense comfort to her soul, and prays to the divine for his everlasting protection. Reflecting on a life previously shadowed by hardships and insults, she sees her child as a source of rebirth and true liberation. She tenderly comforts her crying child, assuring him that she is his loving mother who will never abandon him, ending with a passionate reaffirmation of her endless joy.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Anaphora / Repetition

Amma amma amma ena

The repetition of 'Amma' in the opening line emphasizes the profound emotional thrill and reverence attached to the word 'Mother'.

Monorhyme / Antaadhi-style chorus structure

Sinthaikaaruthal magizhnthaalae

The line 'Sinthaikaaruthal magizhnthaalae' is repeated rhythmically as a refrain throughout the song to anchor the emotional core of peace and gladness.

Ethukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Ninthaigal thondriya vaazhkkai yaedho

The repetition of the second letter 'n' sound across 'Ninthaigal' and 'Viduthalai' adds melodic unity to the lines addressing past hardship and present freedom.

Assonance and Idiomatic Pairings

Kallam kabadamae illaap pillaiyai

The phrase 'Kallam kabadamae' uses alliterative Tamil pairing to poetically denote absolute innocence and freedom from trickery.

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Trivia

'Aandi Petra Selvan' (1957) featured music composed by T. Chalapathi Rao with lyrics by Puratchi Dasan. Rendered with profound warmth by veteran singer R. Balasaraswathy, this song remains an enduring example of mid-20th century Tamil cinema's devotional treatement of motherly love.

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