- Lyricist
- Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- S. M. Subbaiah Naidu
- Movie name
- Annaiyin Aanai
- Movie release year
- 1958
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Mar 2020
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic song from 'Annaiyin Aanai' (1958) is a poignant homage to motherhood, portraying a mother as the ultimate living deity on earth. The lyrics vividly describe the boundless sacrifices a mother makes—from carrying a child for ten months and sacrificing her sleep, to starving herself so her children never go hungry, and working to exhaustion so they can lead educated, noble lives.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamai)
“Annaiyai pol oru dheivam illai”
Compares a mother directly to a divine deity using the comparative word 'pol'.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Sugam pera vaithidum karunai vellam”
Metaphorically compares motherly love and kindness to an overflowing flood ('karunai vellam').
Repetition / Emphasis (Adukkuthodar)
“Manidharillai mannil manidharillai”
Repeats 'manidharillai' to passionately emphasize that failing to honor a mother forfeits one's humanity.
Initial Rhyme (Monai)
“Maelellaam ilaithida paadu pattae… / Maenmaiyaai naam vaazha seidhiduvaal…”
Matching initial consonants/sounds ('Maelellaam' / 'Maenmaiyaai') creating melodic harmony.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Annaiyin Aanai' (1958) features music composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu. This song, rendered by T. M. Soundararajan with lyrics penned by Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam, became a timeless anthem across Tamil-speaking regions celebrating maternal devotion.
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