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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nilavum Thaaraiyum

From Azhagar Malai Kalvan · 1959

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
B. Gopalam
Details
Azhagar Malai Kalvan1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Mm….mm….mmmm….oo….ooo….oo….Mm....mm....mmmm....oo....ooo....oo....
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaaYou are the moon and the stars, my dear
Ulagam oru naal unathammaaThe world will belong to you one day, my dear
Female
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaaYou are the moon and the stars, my dear
Ulagam oru naal unathammaaThe world will belong to you one day, my dear
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaaYou are the moon and the stars, my dear
Female
Poongaavilae malar kadhalaeLike a blooming love in a garden full of flowers
Neengaamalae idhzh meethilaeWithout ever leaving the lips
Thean thuliyaai nee piranthaaiYou were born as a drop of honey
Thean thuliyaai nee piranthaaiYou were born as a drop of honey
Kanavum ninaivum idhuvaa…aa….aa…aa…Is this a dream and a living memory?
Female
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaaYou are the moon and the stars, my dear
Ulagam oru naal unathammaaThe world will belong to you one day, my dear
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaaYou are the moon and the stars, my dear
Female
Meen polavae vizhi thaavuthaeYour eyes dart around like little fish
Nee thoongavae kuyil koovuthe mmmm….oo…oo…oo…The cuckoo bird sings a lullaby to put you to sleep... mmmm....oo...oo...oo...
Meen polavae vizhi thaavuthaeYour eyes dart around like little fish
Nee thoongavae kuyil koovutheThe cuckoo bird sings a lullaby to put you to sleep
Female
Neramithae aaramuthae neramithae aaramuthaeThis is the perfect moment, my rare divine nectar! This is the perfect moment, my rare divine nectar!
Kanavum ninaivum idhuvaa…aa….aa….aa…Is this a dream and a living memory?
Female
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaaYou are the moon and the stars, my dear
Ulagam oru naal unathammaaThe world will belong to you one day, my dear
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaaYou are the moon and the stars, my dear

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic lullaby expresses deep, unconditional love and affectionate hope for a child's future. The singer addresses the child as the celestial moon and stars, reassuring them that the entire world will eventually be theirs to conquer and enjoy. Through gentle, nature-inspired imagery—such as drops of honey, leaping fish eyes, and cuckoos singing lullabies—the lyrics create an atmosphere of profound warmth, tender protection, and peaceful wonder.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai Ani)

Meen polavae vizhi thaavuthae

Compares the playful, swift movement of the child's eyes directly to a fish leaping in water ('Meen polavae').

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaa

Metaphorically equates the child to the moon and stars ('Nilavum thaaraiyum') that bring light into the speaker's world.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaa / Ulagam oru naal unathammaa

The lines end with rhythmic, rhyming endings ('neeyammaa' and 'unathammaa'), creating a gentle, soothing cadence suitable for a lullaby.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Nilavum Thaaraiyum' from the 1959 movie Azhagar Malai Kalvan is a soft lullaby composed by B. Gopalam and rendered by P. Susheela. Featuring lyrics by Vaali, the song showcases his signature style of blending simple, evocative words with deep maternal affection.

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