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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Chellakiliye Senthamaraiye

From Ponnu Vilaiyum Boomi · 1959

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
S. Janaki, Jikki
Music director
K. H. Reddy
Details
Ponnu Vilaiyum Boomi1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Chellakiliyae senthamaraiyaeDarling parrot! Red lotus!
KannaiyaaPrecious dear one!
Pesum deiva silaiyae jeeva sudaraeA talking divine statue, a living flame!
Chinnaiyaa…hooooLittle master… hoooo
Theda kedaikadha ponnaiyaaO golden boy who cannot be found even if searched for!
Nee selva sirappodu vaazhaiyaaMay you live with great wealth and glory!
Female
HaaaHaaa
Mullai nagai veesi muthaana mozhi pesi neeyaeSpreading a jasmine-like smile, speaking pearl-like words, you
Female
Thulli varum kaatchi thondruthaeThe sight of you bouncing along appears
En kannil saeyaeIn my eyes, my child
Female :Hooo oo hoo ooFemale :Hooo oo hoo oo
Theda kedaikadha ponnaiyaaO golden boy who cannot be found even if searched for!
Nee …You…
Female and Chorus :Selva sirappodu vaazhaiyaaFemale and Chorus :May you live with great wealth and glory!
Female
Haaa..aa…Haaa..aa…
Neelavizhi konjam nilavu mugam kaanum bothuWhen seeing your blue-tinted eyes and moon-like face
Female
Nenjil uruvaagum inba nilaikkuFor the blissful state that forms in the heart
Eeduedhu unakkeduedhu…What can equal it, what can compare to you…
Female :Hooo oo hoo ooFemale :Hooo oo hoo oo
Theda kedaikadha ponnaiyaaO golden boy who cannot be found even if searched for!
Nee …You…
Female and Chorus :Selva sirappodu vaazhaiyaaFemale and Chorus :May you live with great wealth and glory!
Female
Haaaa..aaaa…Haaaa..aaaa…
Anbu payiraaga inba nadhiyaaga vandhaaiYou arrived as a crop of love and a river of joy
Female
Pongum valam yaavumAll the overflowing prosperity
Engal manaithannil thandhaaiYou gave to our household
Female
Hooo oo hoo ooHooo oo hoo oo
Theda kedaikadha ponnaiyaaO golden boy who cannot be found even if searched for!
Nee …You…
Female and Chorus :Selva sirappodu vaazhaiyaaFemale and Chorus :May you live with great wealth and glory!
Female
Edhu vendumaayinum un pattan tharuvaarWhatever you desire, your grandfather will give you
Female
Idhazhoorum muthangal peruvaarAnd in return, he will receive sweet kisses from your lips
Female
Edhu vendumaayinum un pattan tharuvaarWhatever you desire, your grandfather will give you
Female
Idhazhoorum muthangal peruvaarAnd in return, he will receive sweet kisses from your lips
Female
Thandhai kadhai solluvaarFather will tell stories
Female :Annai thaalattuvaalFemale :Mother will sing lullabies
Both :Engal kann pola unai endrumBoth :Like our very own eyes, always
KappattruvomWe will protect you
Theda kedaikadha ponnaiyaaO golden boy who cannot be found even if searched for!
Nee selva sirappodu vaazhaiyaaMay you live with great wealth and glory!
Female
Theda kedaikadha ponnaiyaaO golden boy who cannot be found even if searched for!
Nee …You…
Female and Chorus :Selva sirappodu vaazhaiyaaFemale and Chorus :May you live with great wealth and glory!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This heart-warming song is a celebratory lullaby overflowing with love and affection for a newborn child. The family members affectionately address the baby with poetic names like a sweet parrot, a red lotus, and a living divine flame, calling him a rare golden treasure that could not be found anywhere else. They shower him with blessings for a long, prosperous, and glorious life. The lyrics paint a tender picture of family joy and commitment. The child's presence brings abundant happiness and prosperity into the home. Each family member vows to play a cherished role—the grandfather spoiling him with gifts, the father telling stories, and the mother singing lullabies—promising to protect and care for the child as dearly as their own eyes.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Chellakiliyae senthamaraiyae

Compares the child directly to a precious parrot, a lotus flower, and a living flame to express his beauty and preciousness.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Anbu payiraaga inba nadhiyaaga vandhaai

Refers to the child as a crop grown out of love and a river overflowing with bliss.

Simile (Upamai)

Both :Engal kann pola unai endrum

Uses the classic Tamil poetic comparison 'kann pola' (like our own eyes) to describe how fiercely and tenderly they will safeguard the child.

Alliteration (Moonae)

Mullai nagai veesi muthaana mozhi pesi neeyae

Repetition of the initial 'M' sound in 'Mullai' and 'Muthaana' creates a melodious rhythm in the line.

Did you know?

Trivia

This song is featured in the 1959 Tamil movie 'Ponnu Vilaiyum Boomi', directed by A. Bhamsingh and featuring music by K. H. Reddy with lyrics by the legendary A. Maruthakasi. Sung by S. Janaki and Jikki, it remains a classic example of traditional maternal affection and family affection portrayed in golden era Tamil cinema.

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