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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Chellakkiliye Allik Kulame

From Karpukkarasi · 1957

Lyricist
Pattukkottai Kalyanasundram
Singer
A. P. Komala
Music director
G. Ramanathan
Details
Karpukkarasi1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Chella kiliyae allik kulamaeDarling parrot, pool of lily flowers,
Solla theriyaamal thulli magizhnthaadumJumping and dancing in joy without knowing how to speak,
Pillaich selvamaeO precious treasure of a child!
Thaalaelo thaalaelo thaalaeloLullaby, lullaby, lullaby.
Female
Chella kiliyae allik kulamaeDarling parrot, pool of lily flowers,
Solla theriyaamal thulli magizhnthaadumJumping and dancing in joy without knowing how to speak,
Pillaich selvamaeO precious treasure of a child!
Thaalaelo thaalaelo thaalaeloLullaby, lullaby, lullaby.
Female
Chandhiranai konjam killi eduththaePinching off a piece of the moon,
Chandhiranai konjam killi eduththaePinching off a piece of the moon,
Saathi pavalaththil saerththu vaiththaeCombining it with fine quality coral,
Undranai seithae ulaginukkeenthaCreating you and giving you to this world,
Antha iraivanin anbinukku en nandriyadaaMy gratitude to that Almighty God for His boundless love!
Thaalaelo thaalaelo thaalaeloLullaby, lullaby, lullaby.
Female
Chella kiliyae allik kulamaeDarling parrot, pool of lily flowers,
Solla theriyaamal thulli magizhnthaadumJumping and dancing in joy without knowing how to speak,
Pillaich selvamaeO precious treasure of a child!
Thaalaelo thaalaelo thaalaeloLullaby, lullaby, lullaby.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This tender lullaby expresses a mother's profound affection and admiration for her infant child. She affectionately addresses her baby as a cherished parrot, a lily pond, and a divine treasure who leaps with joy despite being unable to speak words. Through vivid poetic imagery, she imagines the Creator pinching a piece of the glowing moon, blending it with pure coral, and fashioning her exquisite child to bestow upon the world. Filled with devotion, she offers heartfelt gratitude to God for this precious blessing while rocking her baby to sleep.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Chella kiliyae allik kulamae

The child is directly identified as a darling parrot ('chella kili') and a lily pond ('alli kulam'), representing innocence, beauty, and freshness.

Hyperbole & Visual Imagery

Chandhiranai konjam killi eduththae

The poetic hyperbole depicts God creating the child by pinching off a fragment of the moon and fusing it with red coral.

Alliteration (Monai)

Saathi pavalaththil saerththu vaiththae

Repetition of the 'Sa' consonant sound ('Saathi', 'saerththu') creates a rhythmic, musical lullaby cadence.

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Trivia

Featured in the 1957 Tamil film 'Karpukkarasi', this classic lullaby was composed by maestro G. Ramanathan and sung by A. P. Komala. The legendary lyricist Pattukkottai Kalyanasundaram, widely known for his socio-political songs, demonstrated his soft lyrical finesse in crafting tender parental love in this classic track.

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