- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- S. Janaki
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Aayiram Roobai
- Movie release year
- 1964
- Lyrics added on
- 19 Jun 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Amma illae appa illae is a deeply emotional song from the 1964 Tamil film Aayiram Roobai, composed by K. V. Mahadevan and written by Vaali. Sung with innocent pathos by S. Janaki, the track depicts an orphaned child appealing to the kindness of passersby. Rather than merely begging, the child highlights the shared human connection, stating that everyone is ultimately a child of the Almighty and asking to be accepted and cared for with compassion. The lyrics beautifully portray sisterly affection and praise generous souls whose acts of charity bring life and comfort, much like timely seasonal rains. Vaali's evocative words combined with Janaki's expressive vocal rendering make this song a timeless reflection on empathy, innocence, and human goodness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Amma illae appa illae”
Repetition of the initial vocalic sound 'A' in 'Amma' and 'appa' creates an immediate rhythmic harmony in the opening line.
Simile (Uwamai)
“Paruva mazha polae”
The act of charity from compassionate people is directly compared to timely seasonal rains using the comparative marker 'polae'.
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)
“Karunai ulla manusarellaaam Kadavulukkum melae”
Elevating merciful human beings to a stature higher than God Himself to stress the supreme divinity of compassion.
Did you know?
Trivia
Aayiram Roobai (1964) starred Gemini Ganesan and Savitri. S. Janaki's soul-stirring rendition of this song stands out as one of her early career highlights in expressing childlike innocence and emotional vulnerability.
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