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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Amma Nee Illai Amaithi Illai

From Seeman Petra Selvangal · 1962

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
T. R. Pappa
Details
Seeman Petra Selvangal1962

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Amaaa..aaa…..aa…amaaaMother... oh... mother
Ammaa nee illai amaidhi illaiMother, without you, there is no peace
Vazhvil amaidhi illai amaidhi illaiIn life, there is no peace, no peace
Ammaa nee illai amaidhi illaiMother, without you, there is no peace
Vazhvil amaidhi illai amaidhi illaiIn life, there is no peace, no peace
Female
Anbum aasaiyum panbum paasamumLove and affection, character and bonding
Anbum aasaiyum panbum paasamumLove and affection, character and bonding
Nenjilae irundha podhum nimmadhi illaiEven if present in the heart, there is no peace of mind
Nimmadhi illaiThere is no peace of mind
Amaaa..aaa…..aa…amaaaMother... oh... mother
Female
Thandhai adipathuvumA father disciplining
Thaaiyaar anaipadhuvumAnd a mother embracing
Indha ulaginilae iyarkaiyin thathuvamaaIs this nature's philosophy in this world?
Thandhai adipathuvumA father disciplining
Thaaiyaar anaipadhuvumAnd a mother embracing
Indha ulaginilae iyarkaiyin thathuvamaaIs this nature's philosophy in this world?
Thandhai veruthaalum..thaayaeEven if a father detests... oh mother
Thandhai veruthaalum thaayae nee irundhaalEven if a father detests, oh mother, if you were there
Annan pirivaaroo allal adaivaarooWould brother separate, or suffer distress?
Annan pirivaaroo allal adaivaarooWould brother separate, or suffer distress?
Ammaa nee illai amaidhi illaiMother, without you, there is no peace
Vazhvil amaidhi illai amaidhi illaiIn life, there is no peace, no peace
Amaaa..aaa…..aa…amaaaMother... oh... mother

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This emotional song expresses the irreplaceable role of a mother in maintaining peace and unity within a family. The speaker grieves the absence of her mother, noting that despite having love, virtue, and affection in one's heart, true tranquility remains elusive without maternal presence. The lyrics contrast the disciplining nature of a father with the soothing warmth of a mother, emphasizing how a mother acts as the vital anchor that prevents siblings from drifting apart or suffering distress.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Anbum aasaiyum panbum paasamum

Repetition of initial vocalic and consonantal sounds ('a' and 'p') to create rhythmic flow.

Antithesis

Thandhai adipathuvum / Thaaiyaar anaipadhuvum

Juxtaposition of contrasting parental actions (father's strict discipline versus mother's comforting embrace).

Rhetorical Question

Indha ulaginilae iyarkaiyin thathuvamaa

Posing a reflective question about family balance as an inherent rule of nature.

Anaphora / Repetition

Ammaa nee illai amaidhi illai / Vazhvil amaidhi illai amaidhi illai

Repetition of the refrain 'Amaidhi illai' (There is no peace) to intensify the emotional feeling of grief.

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the 1962 Tamil film 'Seeman Petra Selvangal', this heart-touching melody composed by T. R. Pappa highlights P. Susheela's expressive vocals and A. Maruthakasi's poignant lyricism on maternal devotion.

Keep listening

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