Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Anipillai Tennampillai

From Athisaya Penn · 1959

Lyricist
V. Seetharaman
Singer
Sirkazhi Govindarajan
Music director
S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Athisaya Penn1959

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Male
Kaalam maarina pothilum yaezhaiEven though times have changed, for the poor man
Kanneer maarida vagaiyilaiyoIs there no way for his tears to end?
Kelir needhi idhuthaano…..Oh listeners, is this justice?
Male
Anilpillai thennam pillaiA baby squirrel, a coconut sapling
Kili pillai keeri pillaiA parrot chick, a mongoose cub
Aaga pala pillaigal undu ulagilaeThus, there are many types of young ones in the world
Ya ya ya ya anilpillai thennam pillaiYa ya ya ya baby squirrel, coconut sapling
Kili pillai keeri pillaiParrot chick, mongoose cub
Aaga pala pillaigal undu ulagilae….ae…Thus, there are many types of young ones in the world...
Male
Anipillai….eee….ee…Baby squirrel... eee... ee...
Male
Manivannan pola pillaiA child like Manivannan
Ee….ee…..ee….eeii…..ee…ee…..eee…Ee....ee.....ee....eeii.....ee...ee.....eee...
Manivannan pola pillaiA child like Manivannan
Maanilam medhil illaiIs not found anywhere on this vast earth
Madhippaai nadanthu kollaTo conduct oneself with respect
Sonnaalum theriyallaeEven when told, he doesn't understand
Male
Anilpillai thennam pillaiBaby squirrel, coconut sapling
Kili pillai keeri pillaiParrot chick, mongoose cub
Aaga pala pillaigal undu ulagilaeThus, there are many types of young ones in the world
Male
Anilpillai thennam pillaiBaby squirrel, coconut sapling
Kili pillai keeri pillaiParrot chick, mongoose cub
Aaga pala pillaigal undu ulagilaeThus, there are many types of young ones in the world
Male
Anilpillai thennam pillaiBaby squirrel, coconut sapling
Ma pa tha ni saa ni tha ma pa tha ni saaMa pa tha ni saa ni tha ma pa tha ni saa
Anilpillai thennam pillaiBaby squirrel, coconut sapling
Thga jum Thga jum Thga jumThga jum Thga jum Thga jum
Thathikina jum thagida thaamThathikina jum thagida thaam
……………………………..[Music / Instrumental]
Anilpillai thennam pillaiBaby squirrel, coconut sapling
Male
…………………….[Fade out / Instrumental]

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song begins with a brief, reflective plea about the unceasing plight and tears of the poor despite changing times. It quickly transitions into a lighthearted, satirical monologue exploring the concept of 'pillai' (which refers to young offspring of plants, animals, or human children). The speaker playfully lists various young creatures from nature—such as baby squirrels, coconut saplings, parrot chicks, and mongoose cubs. The lyricist then humorously zeroes in on 'Manivannan', declaring that nowhere on this broad earth can you find a child like him, as he refuses to learn proper manners despite constant instruction. The composition weaves playful rhymes, classical carnatic notes (swara passages), and rhythmic rhythmic beat patterns (sollukattu) into a unique comic-dramatic piece.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Polysemy / Pun (Sledai)

“Anilpillai thennam pillai / Kili pillai keeri pillai”

The word 'pillai' is cleverly used in multiple contexts: plant saplings (thennam pillai), animal young ones (anilpillai, kili pillai, keeri pillai), and a human child or name suffix (Manivannan pola pillai).

Initial Rhyme (Monai)

“Kaalam maarina pothilum yaezhai / Kanneer maarida vagaiyilaiyo”

Matching initial consonant sounds between 'Kaalam' and 'Kanneer' in the opening couplet.

Repetition (Anaphora & Refrain)

“Anilpillai thennam pillai”

The phrase 'Anilpillai thennam pillai' is repeated as a rhythmic hook throughout the song.

Sollukattu / Konnakol (Rhythmic Vocalization)

“Thga jum Thga jum Thga jum / Thathikina jum thagida thaam”

Use of traditional rhythm syllables for comedic and musical cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Athisaya Penn (1959) was produced by AVM Productions as the Tamil remake of the Hindi hit film 'Asha' (1957). The song makes extensive comedic use of Tamil wordplay centered around 'pillai', combining classical Carnatic swaras with lively rhythmic konnakol elements.

Keep listening

More from Athisaya Penn