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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Chellakkiligalam Palliyiley Sad

From Enga Mama · 1970

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Enga Mama1970

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Chella kiligalaam palliyilaeDarling parrots are in their school,
Sevvandhi pookkalaam thottililaeChrysanthemum flowers are in their cradle,
En pon manigal yen thoongavillaiWhy haven't my golden gems gone to sleep?
Male
Chella kiligalaam palliyilaeDarling parrots are in their school,
Sevvandhi pookkalaam thottililaeChrysanthemum flowers are in their cradle,
En pon manigal yen thoongavillaiWhy haven't my golden gems gone to sleep?
Male
{Kandrin kuralum kanni thamizhumThe call of a calf and pure Tamil language,
Sollum vaarthai ammaa ammaaThe word they utter is mother, mother.
Karunai thaedi alaiyum uyirgalSouls wandering in search of mercy,
Urugum vaarthai ammaa ammaa} (2)The word that melts them is mother, mother.
Male
Endha manadhil paasam undoIn whichever heart true affection resides,
Andha manamae ammaa ammaaThat heart itself is a mother's heart.
Inba kanavai alli tharavaeTo gather and give you joyful dreams,
Iraivan ennai thandhaanammaaGod gave me to you, my dear ones.
En pon manigal yen …….Why haven't my golden gems...
Male
Chella kiligalaam palliyilaeDarling parrots are in their school,
Sevvandhi pookkalaam thottililaeChrysanthemum flowers are in their cradle,
En pon manigal yen……..Why haven't my golden gems...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic lullaby from Enga Mama (1970) expresses pure affection and the sacred nature of motherhood. The singer lovingly compares children to cherished parrots and sweet blossoms, wondering why they have not yet fallen asleep. The lyrics emphasize that motherhood is defined not merely by birth, but by the presence of unconditional love and compassion in one's heart.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Chella kiligalaam palliyilae / Sevvandhi pookkalaam thottililae

Children are metaphorically addressed as beloved parrots (Chella kiligal) and chrysanthemum blossoms (Sevvandhi pookkal).

Edhukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Kandrin kuralum kanni thamizhum / Karunai thaedi alaiyum uyirgal

The second letter sound pattern rhymes between 'Kandrin' and 'Karunai'.

Epizeuxis (Repetition)

Sollum vaarthai ammaa ammaa

The word 'ammaa' is repeated consecutively ('ammaa ammaa') to emphasize emotional resonance and deep affection.

Did you know?

Trivia

Enga Mama (1970) starring Sivaji Ganesan was a remake of the 1968 Hindi hit movie Brahmachari. The song was composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics written by Kannadasan, famously sung by P. Susheela and T. M. Soundararajan.

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