Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Babu Mani

From Pillai Selvam · 1973

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Sakthi Kumar
Movie name
Pillai Selvam
Movie release year
1973
Lyrics added on
26 Feb 2024

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Humming….
Oh babu mani babu
Nee deivam thantha pillai allavo
En kulankatha vallalalavo
Manika thottil vairathil kattil
Unakethanai muthukal
Babu mani babu
Nee deivam thantha pillai allavo
En kulankatha vallalalavo
Nee illa perumai enna athu nimathi aagumo
Amma ena peyar sollatha antha piravi ennavo
Nee illa perumai enna athu nimathi aagumo
Amma ena peyar sollatha antha piravi ennavo
Thanthaiyo manam thudika thayaro thavamiruka
Thanthaiyo manam thudika thayaro thavamiruka
Karunai vanthatha siru kanna
Unnai murugan enbatha
Babu mani babu
Nee deivam thantha pillai allavo
En kulankatha vallalalavo
Gowsalya idaiyile ramanallavo
Yasothamma madiyile krishnanallavo
Gowsalya idaiyile ramanallavo
Yasothamma madiyile krishnanallavo
Andavanin paadalile naan partha selvangalai
Andavanin paadalile naan partha selvangalai
Enni parthathal siru kanna
Unnai eppadi konjuven
Babu mani babu
Nee deivam thantha pillai allavo
En kulankatha vallalalavo
Mayangathe mugathil maatram aagathuda
Jagamellam amma madiyallada
Mayangathe mugathil maatram aagathuda
Jagamellam amma madiyallada
Kanna un kangalil kanneerum pongutha
Kanna un kangalil kanneerum pongutha
Kalakamenna punnagaiyai kattada
Kalam unathada
Babu mani babu
Nee deivam thantha pillai allavo
En kulankatha vallalalavo
[Humming...]
Oh Babu, precious Babu!
Aren't you a child gifted by God?
Aren't you the generous blessing who protected my family lineage?
A cradle of rubies, a bed adorned with diamonds,
and so many pearls, all for you!
Babu, precious Babu!
Aren't you a child gifted by God?
Aren't you the generous blessing who protected my family lineage?
What is pride without you? Could it ever bring true peace?
What kind of life is it if no child ever calls you "Mother"?
What is pride without you? Could it ever bring true peace?
What kind of life is it if no child ever calls you "Mother"?
While your father's heart ached and your mother prayed in deep penance,
While your father's heart ached and your mother prayed in deep penance,
did mercy fill your heart, my little darling?
Shall I call you Lord Murugan?
Babu, precious Babu!
Aren't you a child gifted by God?
Aren't you the generous blessing who protected my family lineage?
Rama resting by Kausalya's side,
and Krishna resting on Mother Yashoda's lap...
Rama resting by Kausalya's side,
and Krishna resting on Mother Yashoda's lap...
Seeing all these divine child treasures in holy songs,
Seeing all these divine child treasures in holy songs,
and reflecting upon them, my little darling,
how tenderly shall I fondle and cherish you?
Babu, precious Babu!
Aren't you a child gifted by God?
Aren't you the generous blessing who protected my family lineage?
Do not be distressed, do not let your bright face dim,
for this whole world is like a mother's safe lap for you!
Do not be distressed, do not let your bright face dim,
for this whole world is like a mother's safe lap for you!
My child, are tears brimming in your eyes?
My child, are tears brimming in your eyes?
Why this sorrow? Show me your lovely smile!
The future belongs to you, my dear one!
Babu, precious Babu!
Aren't you a child gifted by God?
Aren't you the generous blessing who protected my family lineage?
Female
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This classic lullaby expresses the intense emotional bond between a mother and her child. Sung by P. Susheela, the song portrays the child as a divine blessing born out of devotion and penance. The mother reflects on the emptiness of a life without motherhood and compares her child to divine figures like Rama, Krishna, and Murugan, seeing the child as her ultimate savior and precious treasure. In the latter verses, she reassures the child, urging him not to cry and offering comfort, reminding him that a mother's lap is greater than the entire world.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

“Thanthaiyo manam thudika thayaro thavamiruka”

In 'Thanthaiyo' and 'Karunai', the second consonants complement rhythmic structure in devotional Tamil poetry.

Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)

“Gowsalya idaiyile ramanallavo / Yasothamma madiyile krishnanallavo”

The child is metaphorically compared to mythological divine children like Rama, Krishna, and Murugan.

Alliteration (Monaai)

“Kanna un kangalil kanneerum pongutha”

Repetition of initial consonants like 'K' in 'Kanna un kangalil kanneerum'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Pillai Selvam (1973) features soulful compositions by Sakthi Kumar with lyrics penned by the legendary poet Kannadasan. The lullaby rendered by P. Susheela remains an enduring favorite in Tamil cinema, celebrated for its poignant emotional depth and maternal affection.

Keep listening

Songs with a similar feeling

Vaada Malar Thenen1960
ThozhanMotherhoodChildhood
Ammanu Solla Vandha2022
Aruva SandaMotherhoodDevotion
Naan Thai Endru1999
Poomagal OorvalamMotherhoodDevotion
Chinna Nila Sirikkum Nila1985
NaagamMotherhoodDevotion
Chinnanchiru Kiliye2000
Kannukkul NilavuMotherhoodDevotion
Petredutha Ullam1972
Kanna NalamaDevotionMotherhood

From the same album

More songs from Pillai Selvam

View album
Deivam Irangadha1973
Pillai SelvamMournful
Amma Thunai1973
Pillai SelvamMournful
Babu Mani Sad1973
Pillai SelvamTender

Spot an issue?

Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.