- Lyricist
- V. Lakshmanan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- S. Balachandar
- Movie name
- Bommai
- Movie release year
- 1964
- Lyrics added on
- 8 Mar 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Nee Thaan Selvam from the 1964 Tamil film Bommai is a touching maternal song expressing deep maternal affection and gratitude. A mother sings to her child, declaring that he is her ultimate treasure, sweetness, and world. She credits her son with giving her the noble elevated status of motherhood and prays for him to live a long, prosperous life that brings glory to the earth. Through simple yet profound metaphors, the child is compared to a flower that adorns a garden creeper, a bright lamp that lights up a home, the deep meaning that enriches a song, and the fragrance that emanates from a flower. To the mother's eyes and touch, her child's presence fills every aspect of her existence, symbolizing love, virtue, and true happiness.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Repetition
“Nee thaan selvam / Nee thaan amudham / Nee thaan endhan ulagam”
The phrase 'Nee thaan' is repeated at the beginning of consecutive lines to emphasize the central importance of the child to the mother.
Metaphor (Uruvagamm)
“Kannukkul maniyaai”
The child is metaphorically described as the pupil inside the eye ('Kannukkul maniyaai'), showing how precious and essential he is.
Analogy / Simile (Uvamai)
“Kodi thantha poovaai / Poo thantha manamaai”
The child's growth on the mother's lap is compared to a creeper yielding a flower and a flower yielding fragrance.
Rhyme / Monai and Edhugai
“Anbukku vadivaai / Panbukku porulaai / Inbathin suvaiyaai”
Parallel rhyming and rhythmic structures across lines ('Anbukku', 'Panbukku', 'Inbathin') create a melodic, soothing tone suitable for a maternal lullaby.
Did you know?
Trivia
Bommai (1964) is a notable Tamil film directed by the multi-talented S. Balachander, who also composed the film's music. The lyrics were written by V. Lakshmanan, capturing timeless maternal sentiments.
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