- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- En Bommakutty Ammavukku
- Movie release year
- 1988
- Lyrics added on
- 27 Apr 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Bommukkutti Ammaavukku' is a poignant Tamil lullaby from the movie 'En Bommakutty Ammavukku' (1988), composed by Ilaiyaraaja and penned by Vaali. The song revolves around a little girl who is raised by foster parents while her biological mother longs for her. It captures the complex emotional tug-of-war between maternal affection, foster bonding, and the innocence of childhood. The lyricist metaphorically describes the child as a cuckoo in a crow's nest, highlighting the emotional dilemma of two mothers who love the same child dearly.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagham)
“Thanga katti paappaavukku thaalaelo”
Comparing the child to a 'Thaazham poo charam' (garland of screwpine flowers) and 'Thanga katti' (gold bar).
Analogy / Metaphor
“Idhu kaakkaiyin koodu / Ingae poonguyil paedu”
Comparing the foster home to a crow's nest (kaakkaiyin koodu) and the child/biological mother dynamic to a cuckoo (poonguyil paedu).
Monai (Alliteration)
“Vaaraamal vandha selvam / Veedaeri vandha dheivam”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'Vaaraamal' and 'Veedaeri' creating rhythmic harmony.
Did you know?
Trivia
'En Bommakutty Ammavukku' was directed by Fazil and is a remake of his acclaimed Malayalam film 'Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku'. The song, composed by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, remains one of the most iconic lullabies in Tamil cinema, celebrated for its emotional depth and tender lyrics.
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