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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Anbulla Appa

From Sigaram Thodu · 2014

Lyricist
Yugabharathi
Singer
K. J. Yesudas
Music director
D. Imman
Details
Sigaram Thodu2014

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Anbulla appa appaDear father, father
Yaarumae unpol illai mann melaeThere is no one like you on this earth
Anbulla appa appaDear father, father
Yaarumae unpol illai mann melaeThere is no one like you on this earth
Anbulla appa appaDear father, father
Thaayayum unnil kanden anbaalaeI saw even a mother in you through your love
Male
Enaku edhu thevai ulagilaeWhatever I need in this world
Koduthiduvaai nee mudhalilaeYou would give it to me first
Vendaamal tharum dheivamA deity who gives without being asked
Nee dhaanae unmaiyillaeIs truly you, in reality
Male
Anbulla appa appaDear father, father
Yaarumae unpol illai mann melaeThere is no one like you on this earth
Male
Maadhakanakkae thaayum sumandhuA mother carries for months
Vandhadhu dhaan ivanadhu uyiraeTo bring this life into existence
Kaalam muzhukka ennai sumandhuCarrying me throughout my lifetime
Kaathu nirkkum unakku illai nigaraeProtecting me, you have no equal
Male
Thoosi ennai thodavumEven a speck of dust touching me
Vida maataiYou would not allow
Tholil enai sumandhuCarrying me on your shoulders
Nadai pottaaiYou walked along
Vandhaayae nee en varamaaiYou came into my life as my boon
Male
Anbulla appa appaDear father, father
Yaarumae unpol illai mann melaeThere is no one like you on this earth
Anbulla appa appaDear father, father
Thaayayum unnil kanden anbaalaeI saw even a mother in you through your love
Male
Thozhan ena neeLike a true friend
Tholum koduthuLending your shoulder
Tholvigalai jeithida varuvaaiYou come to help me conquer defeats
Male
Sogam edhaiyumAny sadness that exists
Unnul maraithuHiding it within yourself
Punnagaiyae enakkena tharuvaaiYou offer only smiles for me
Male
Kann imaiyilIn your eyes
Ennai nee adaikaathuSheltering me safely
Thoongidavum marappaaiYou even forget to sleep
Ennai paarthuLooking after me
Vaazhvaayae nee enn nizhalaaiYou live on as my shadow
Male
Anbulla appa appaDear father, father
Yaarumae unpol illai mann melaeThere is no one like you on this earth
Anbulla appa appaDear father, father
Thaayayum unnil kanden anbaalaeI saw even a mother in you through your love
Male
Enaku edhu thevai ulagilaeWhatever I need in this world
Koduthiduvaai nee mudhalilaeYou would give it to me first
Vendaamal tharum dheivamA deity who gives without being asked
Nee dhaanae unmaiyillaeIs truly you, in reality

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Anbulla Appa from Sigaram Thodu is an emotional tribute celebrating the boundless love, sacrifice, and protection provided by a father. The lyrics portray a father as an unsung hero who embodies the loving care of a mother, acts as a selfless provider, and stands as a supportive friend through life's trials. He silently bears burdens and sacrifices his own comfort so his child can flourish without experiencing any hardship. The song highlights how a father's enduring presence acts as a protective shadow and guiding light, elevating his status to that of an unasked, living deity in the child's life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Vendaamal tharum dheivam nee dhaanae unmaiyillae

Compares the father directly to a benevolent deity who bestows blessings without needing to be asked.

Anaphora / Repetition

Anbulla appa appa

The affectionate phrase is repeated to emphasize emotional intimacy and deep filial adoration.

Contrast (Juxtaposition)

Maadhakanakkae thaayum sumandhu... Kaalam muzhukka ennai sumandhu

Contrasts the mother carrying the child in her womb for months with the father carrying and supporting the child for a lifetime.

Alliteration (Monai)

Thozhan ena nee / Tholum koduthu / Tholvigalai jeithida varuvaai

Repetition of the initial 'Th' sound creates rhythm and accentuates the father's supporting shoulder.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by D. Imman and written by Yugabharathi, this touching track features the soulful vocals of legendary singer K. J. Yesudas. In the movie Sigaram Thodu (2014), the song forms the emotional core between the characters played by Sathyaraj and Vikram Prabhu.

Keep listening

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