- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- K. S. Chithra
- Music directors
- K. V. Mahadevan, Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Senthamizh Selvan
- Movie release year
- 1994
- Lyrics added on
- 4 Dec 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This touching song portrays deep filial devotion and role reversal, where a child cares for an ailing mother who has lost her memory or mental clarity. The child vows to perform tender maternal duties for her—bathing her, styling her hair, feeding her, and singing lullabies, recognizing her as the true living manifestation of God on earth above all temples and deities. In a gentle plea for her recovery, the singer calls upon nature—asking the mango-grove cuckoo to sing and the mountain peacock to dance. The child hopes that these harmonious sights and sounds of nature will awaken the mother's faded memories and bring peace back to her troubled mind.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Neeraatuven / Poo choottuven / soroottuven / thaalaattuven”
The line endings 'Neeraatuven', 'Poo choottuven', 'soroottuven', and 'thaalaattuven' share the identical '-ttuven' suffix pattern, creating a soothing, lullaby-like rhythm.
Apostrophe (Direct Address)
“Kuyilae ila maanguyilae… / Mayilae malai vaazh mayilae”
The singer addresses natural creatures directly ('Kuyilae' - Cuckoo, 'Mayilae' - Peacock), treating them as compassionate allies in healing the mother.
Anaphora / Emphatic Repetition
“Kettu adhai thaan kettu / Paarthu adhai thaan paarthu”
Repetition of 'kettu' (hearing) and 'paarthu' (seeing) reinforces the desperate hope that sensory experiences will rekindle the mother's memory.
Metaphor (Role Reversal)
“Thaai pola naan maari thaalaattuven”
The child metaphorically assumes the role of a mother to his own mother ('Thaai pola naan maari'), emphasizing the cyclical nature of caregiving.
Did you know?
Trivia
The lyrics written by legendary lyricist Vaali explore the theme of maternal devotion and mental healing through music and nature. 'Senthamizh Selvan' (1994) featured music composed by Soundaryan and starred Prashanth and Sukanya in lead roles.
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