Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Anbale Thannuyirai

From Thirudathe · 1961

Lyricist
M. K. Aathmanathan
Singer
Seerkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Thirudathe1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Anbaalae than uyiraiWith love, her very life,
AmudhaakkiTurning it into sweet nectar,
Ennaiyoru aalaakki vaazha vaithaalShe raised me into a worthy person and gave me life.
Annaiyaval pettra payan adaiyaamalWithout reaping the true reward of her motherhood,
Ulagai vittu kanmoodi urangi vittaalShe closed her eyes and departed from this world.
Ulagai vittu kanmoodi urangi vittaalShe closed her eyes and departed from this world.
Kanmoodi… urangi vittaalClosed her eyes... fell asleep.
Male
Pettravarkku perumai tharumTo bring pride to the parents who birthed him,
Male
Pettravarkku perumai tharumTo bring pride to the parents who birthed him,
Pillai nenjil amaidhiyillaiThere is no peace in this child's heart.
Pillai nenjil amaidhiyillai…There is no peace in this child's heart...
Amaidhiyillai… amaidhiyillai…There is no peace... no peace...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This poignant song reflects the deep sorrow and yearning of a child who has lost his mother. The lyrics convey how the mother poured all her love, turning her life into nourishing nectar to raise him into a worthy individual. However, before she could enjoy the fruit of her motherhood or witness his success, she passed away, leaving the world forever. Though the child strives to live a life that brings honor to her memory, his heart remains restless and bereft of peace due to her tragic absence. The song highlights the tragic irony of a son who can make his mother proud, yet cannot share that pride with her.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Amudhaakki

Comparing a mother's life and love to 'Amudham' (nourishing nectar of immortality).

Euphemism

Ulagai vittu kanmoodi urangi vittaal

Using 'closing eyes and sleeping' to gently express the tragedy of death.

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Pettravarkku perumai tharum

Alliteration of the initial sound 'P' ('Pettravarkku' and 'perumai') creating a melodic rhythm.

Repetition (Anaphora)

Amaidhiyillai… amaidhiyillai…

Repetition of the phrase 'Amaidhiyillai' emphasizes the intense grief and lack of mental peace felt by the protagonist.

Did you know?

Trivia

Thirudathe (1961) is a classic Tamil film starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), B. Saroja Devi, and K. A. Thangavelu. Though often credited as 'Unknown' in brief lyrics listings, the film's music was composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu, and this emotional song was sung by P. Susheela, serving as a critical emotional turning point in the storyline.

Keep listening

More from Thirudathe