- Lyricist
- Kambadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- Paamarthi
- Movie name
- Bala Nagamma
- Movie release year
- 1960
- Lyrics added on
- 18 Jun 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This heart-wrenching song from 'Bala Nagamma' (1960) expresses a mother's deep anguish and sorrow as she is separated from her beloved child (affectionately addressed as 'babu'). She questions whether the dark cloud of despair enveloping her life will ever clear away so she can be reunited with her child. She fondly reminisces about her child's innocent chatter, baby steps, and playing games together under the night sky. As time runs out and her distress deepens, she wonders if her maternal hopes will end in vain. Yet, amid her tears, she holds on to the desperate hope that her child will return and banish all her suffering. P. Susheela's emotive vocals combined with Kambadasan's poignant lyricism capture maternal longing in its purest, most vulnerable form.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Irul neengumo babu”
Darkness ('Irul') is used as a metaphor for sorrow, despair, and separation from her child.
Monae (Initial Alliteration)
“Inimai kol mozhiyum”
Matching initial vowel sound 'I' across consecutive lines (Inimai / Ilanadai) creates a soothing, rhythmic cadence.
Rhetorical Question
“Maadhu ennaaasai ini veenaa”
The singer asks repeated questions expressing her helplessness, distress, and uncertainty about the future.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Bala Nagamma' (1960) was based on the popular folklore tale of the same name, which has been adapted multiple times across South Indian languages. This song, composed by Paamarthi with lyrics by the legendary poet Kambadasan and sung by P. Susheela, stands out for its deep emotional impact depicting maternal affection and grief.
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