- Lyricist
- Arivumathi
- Singer
- Sunandha
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Thalaimurai
- Movie release year
- 1998
- Lyrics added on
- 5 Dec 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a heartbreaking maternal lament from the movie 'Thalaimurai' (1998). It expresses the intense emotional pain of a mother who, due to dire financial circumstances or fateful compulsions, was forced to give away her son. Despite having carried and brought a child into the world, she feels as helpless and empty as a childless woman ('maladi'). The mother mourns the loss of the tender moments she had dreamed of—such as hearing her child call her 'Amma'—and describes her maternal affection and love turning into endless tears.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Paradox / Oxymoron
“Magan undu irunthaalum maladi”
Presents a contradiction where having a son still leaves the mother socially and emotionally 'barren' due to separation.
Metaphor (உருவகம்)
“Thannanthaniyaagi nikkithintha rosa”
Compares the isolated, vulnerable mother to a lonely rose standing by itself.
Ethugai (எதுகை - Second-letter Rhyming)
“Peththaalum pulla illa / Seththaalum kolli illa”
The second letters of 'Peththaalum' and 'Seththaalum' rhyme ('th'), creating a rhythmic and poignant contrast between birth and death.
Metaphor (உருவகம்)
“Kanneeru aanathadaa saeththu vechcha paalu”
The maternal milk stored up for the child metaphorically turns into bitter tears of grief.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song features lyrics by the acclaimed poet and lyricist Arivumathi, known for writing deeply evocative Tamil folk-style lyrics exploring rural life, social realities, and maternal bonds. The song highlights the societal taboos and emotional burdens associated with motherhood and family rites in traditional Tamil culture.
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