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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Madhulai Muthukkal

From Thaai Piranthal · 1974

Lyricist
Aalangudi Somu
Singers
P. Bhanumathi, B. Vasantha
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Thaai Piranthal1974

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Madhulai muththukkal malligai mottukkalPomegranate seeds and jasmine buds
Madhulai muththukkal malligai mottukkalPomegranate seeds and jasmine buds
Sinthi kidappathennavo…oo…oo..oo..oo..Why are they scattered lying around?
Madhulai muththukkal malligai mottukkalPomegranate seeds and jasmine buds
Sinthi kidappathennavo…oo…oo..oo..oo..Why are they scattered lying around?
Intha maaligai vaalil aadidum selvangalThe precious treasures playing in this palace garden
Vaadi kidappathennavoWhy are they lying withered?
Vaadi kidappathennavoWhy are they lying withered?
Female
Madhulai muththukkal malligai mottukkalPomegranate seeds and jasmine buds
Female
Per sollaoru pillai palar thedalaamMany may search for a child to carry forward their name
Silar perum thollai ena pillai thanai saadalaamSome may curse a child considering them a big trouble
Per sollaoru pillai palar thedalaamMany may search for a child to carry forward their name
Silar perum thollai ena pillai thanai saadalaamSome may curse a child considering them a big trouble
Thaer konda dheivangal magavaagalaamDeities from chariots could take form as children
Adhu theriyaamal sila pergal vasai paadalaamWithout knowing that, some people may scold them
Female
Madhulai muththukkal malligai mottukkalPomegranate seeds and jasmine buds
Female
…………………
Female
Raguraman avathaaram ivanaagalaamHe could be an avatar of Lord Rama
Intha ilangandru lakshmanan vadivaagalaamThis young calf could take the form of Lakshmana
Raguraman avathaaram ivanaagalaamHe could be an avatar of Lord Rama
Intha ilangandru lakshmanan vadivaagalaamThis young calf could take the form of Lakshmana
Pugalodu ivar saernthu arasaalalaamTogether with fame, they could rule the land
Anntha porkaalam viraivaaga uruvaagalaamThat golden age could be formed very quickly
Female
………………..
Female
Eliyorin maganaana perunjselvamaeOh great wealth, born as the child of the poor
Nee vilaiyaadum idamengum perinbamaeEvery place where you play is filled with supreme joy
Oli veesum un kannil neeraagumaaShould tears fill your glowing eyes?
Oru naalum thaayullam idhai thaangumaaWill a mother's heart ever bear this?
Female
Madhulai muththukkal malligai mottukkalPomegranate seeds and jasmine buds
Sinthi kidappathennavo…oo…oo..oo..oo..Why are they scattered lying around?
Intha maaligai vaalil aadidum selvangalThe precious treasures playing in this palace garden
Vaadi kidappathennavoWhy are they lying withered?
Vaadi kidappathennavoWhy are they lying withered?
Female
Madhulai muththukkal malligai mottukkalPomegranate seeds and jasmine buds
Female
………………

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This tender lullaby-style emotional song revolves around motherly love, compassion for innocent children, and hope for their grand future. The lyricist metaphorically compares children to precious pomegranate seeds and delicate jasmine buds, lamenting why such innocent young ones are suffering or lying withered like neglected blossoms. The song reflects on human nature—how some people yearn for children to carry their lineage while others view children as a burden, failing to recognize the divine potential within every child. The song elevates the children to revered mythological figures, comparing them to Rama and Lakshmana, envisioning a bright golden age where they rule with honor despite their humble or troubled beginnings. It emphasizes that a mother's heart can never bear to see tears in the eyes of her children, framing childhood innocence as the ultimate wealth that brings supreme bliss to the world around them.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamaikani)

Madhulai muththukkal malligai mottukkal

Children's teeth and delicate smiles are metaphorically referred to as 'Madhulai muththukkal' (pomegranate seeds) and 'malligai mottukkal' (jasmine buds).

Metaphor / Allusion

Raguraman avathaaram ivanaagalaam / Intha ilangandru lakshmanan vadivaagalaam

The young children are likened to avatars of Raguraman (Rama) and Lakshmana, using divine mythology to highlight their innate virtue and potential.

Emonai (Initial Rhyme / Alliterative Assonance)

Eliyorin maganaana perunjselvamae

Matching initial vowel sounds across poetic lines (Eliyorin / Nee / Oli / Oru).

Oxymoron / Contrast

Eliyorin maganaana perunjselvamae

Juxtaposition of 'Eliyorin magan' (child of the poor) with 'perunjselvamae' (greatest treasure) to show intrinsic emotional value over material wealth.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song 'Madhulai Muththukkal' from 'Thaai Piranthal' (1974) features a legendary vocal duet between veteran actress-singer P. Bhanumathi and classic playback singer B. Vasantha under the music direction of M. S. Viswanathan. Written by Aalangudi Somu, known for his philosophical and emotionally resonant lyrics, the song stands out for its delicate metaphors comparing children to precious floral elements.

Keep listening

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