- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Chithi
- Movie release year
- 1966
- Lyrics added on
- 26 Aug 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This classic lullaby from the movie 'Chithi' (1966), penned by Kannadasan, uses the traditional 'Lullaby' format to convey deep philosophical observations on life, love, and growth. It addresses the emotional transition of a young woman whose heart starts longing for love as she matures. It highlights the grief that follows when love faces obstacles like paternal rejection, resulting in sleepless, anxious nights. The song serves as both a gentle lullaby and a poignant warning to sleep peacefully while young, because missing the right moments in life leads to endless sleeplessness and regret.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethukai (Second-Letter Rhyming)
“Yekkam varum podhu / Thookkamenbadhaedhu”
The second consonant sound matches across adjacent lines ('k' sound in Yekkam and Thookkam), creating Tamil rhythmic flow.
Mona (First-Letter Alliteration)
“Maarum kanni manam maarum”
The repetition of the 'M' sound at the start of words in the line creates a melodic cadence.
Metaphor / Cultural Symbolism
“Kannan mugam thaedum”
'Kannan' (Lord Krishna) is used metaphorically to represent the ideal lover or soulmate.
Anaphora (Repetition)
“Kaalamidhu kaalamidhu / Thookkamillai magalae”
The repetition of 'Kaalamidhu' and 'Thookkamillai magalae' emphasizes the urgency of time and loss of peace.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film 'Chithi' (1966) features music composed by M. S. Viswanathan (MSV) with legendary lyrics by Kannadasan. This lullaby sequence captures Kannadasan's signature style of interweaving poignant life philosophies into simple, emotionally charged maternal songs.
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