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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Muthu Polae Manjal

From Sabaash Mapillai · 1961

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
Seerkazhi Govindarajan, P. Susheela
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Sabaash Mapillai1961

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Muthu polae manjal kothu polaeLike a pearl, like a cluster of turmeric blossoms,
Muthu polae manjal kothu polaeLike a pearl, like a cluster of turmeric blossoms,
Muzhu nilaavae nee pirandhaaiYou were born like a full moon,
Engal veettilaeIn our humble home,
Muzhu nilaavae nee pirandhaaiYou were born like a full moon,
Engal veettilaeIn our humble home,
Muthu polae manjal kothu polaeLike a pearl, like a cluster of turmeric blossoms,
Female
{Kashtam theerndhadhu unnaalaeHardships ended because of your arrival,
Kavalai oindhadhuAll worries have come to a rest,
Kanmani un thandhai vaazhvilPrecious child, in your father's life,
Inbam serndhadhu} (2)Boundless joy has now joined,
Male
Thottadhellaam thulangidumA time where everything touched turns to success,
Velai vandhadhuThat golden time has arrived,
Thottadhellaam thulangidumA time where everything touched turns to success,
Velai vandhadhuThat golden time has arrived,
Unai pettra annai perumai kollumIt has bestowed a status of pride,
Nilaiyai thandhadhuTo the mother who gave birth to you,
Muthu polae manjal kothu polaeLike a pearl, like a cluster of turmeric blossoms,
Muzhu nilaavaeOh bright full moon,
Female
{Katti thangamae ennaasaiSolid gold, my darling, all my desires,
Kanavu yaavumaeAnd all my cherished dreams,
Male :Kanindhu pillai uruvamaagaMale: Have ripened into the form of a child,
Vandha selvamae} (2)Oh precious treasure that came to us,
Female
Kannai kaakkum imaiyai polJust like an eyelid that protects the eye,
Unnai vaazhvilaeWe shall protect you throughout life,
Kannai kaakkum imaiyai polJust like an eyelid that protects the eye,
Unnai vaazhvilaeWe shall protect you throughout life.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This heart-warming song is a lullaby and a loving ode to a newborn child. The parents celebrate the arrival of their baby, comparing the child to radiant pearls, golden turmeric clusters, and the glowing full moon. They reflect on how the child's birth has dispelled all their sorrows, troubles, and bad times, ushering in an era of prosperity and happiness for the father and great pride for the mother. In the second half, the parents express that all their lifelong dreams and desires have taken the sweet physical form of this child. They promise to nurture, care for, and safeguard the precious treasure for the rest of their lives, just as delicate eyelids naturally shield and protect the eyes.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Muthu polae manjal kothu polae

Compares the newborn baby to precious pearls and turmeric clusters using 'polae' (like).

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Muzhu nilaavae nee pirandhaai

Refers to the child metaphorically as 'Muzhu Nilaave' (Full Moon) and 'Katti Thangame' (Solid Gold).

Initial Rhyme (Monai / Alliteration)

Kashtam theerndhadhu unnaalae / Kavalai oindhadhu / Kanmani un thandhai vaazhvil

Repetition of initial consonant sound 'K' in consecutive lines (Kashtam, Kavalai, Kanmani).

Simile (Upamai)

Kannai kaakkum imaiyai pol

Compares parental protection of the child in life to an eyelid protecting the eye ('imaiyai pol').

Did you know?

Trivia

The song 'Muthu Polae Manjal Kothu Polae' belongs to the 1961 Tamil movie 'Sabaash Mapillai', starring M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and B. Saroja Devi. The lyrics were written by A. Maruthakasi, with music composed by K. V. Mahadevan. It remains a famous classic Tamil lullaby celebrating parenthood and newborn blessings.

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