- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Ramu
- Movie release year
- 1966
- Lyrics added on
- 17 Mar 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Muthu Chippi Mella Mella from the 1966 movie Ramu is a tender, joyful song celebrating family bliss, love, and the anticipation of happiness. Using the delicate metaphor of an oyster shell gently opening to reveal a pearl, the song describes love and sweet news unfolding silently and beautifully within a home. The lyrics paint a warm picture of domestic harmony, where a small home for three becomes a palace of affection, sweet music, and prosperity, poetically linked to the sacred three branches of the Tamil language (Mutthamizh).
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uvamai)
“Muthu chippi mella mella Thirandhu varum”
Comparing lips opening gently for a silent kiss or a loving moment to a pearl shell opening up slowly.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Muthu chippi mella mella / Mutham ondru saththam indri”
Repetition of the initial sound 'Mu' across successive lines.
Cultural Allusion
“Adhil moondru thamizh vandhadhendru paadu”
Referencing 'Moondru Thamizh' (Mutthamizh: Prose, Music, Drama) as a poetic symbol for the three members of the family unit bringing harmony.
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)
“Thanga mazhaiyum pongi vazhiyum”
Exaggerating joy as a shower of gold overflowing in the household.
Did you know?
Trivia
Ramu (1966) featured timeless music composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Kannadasan. Sung brilliantly by P. Susheela, 'Muthu Chippi' remains one of the most beloved lullaby-like family melodies in Tamil cinema history.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Ramu
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.