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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nilavum Thaaraiyum

From Azhagar Malai Kalvan · 1959

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
B. Gopalam
Movie name
Azhagar Malai Kalvan
Movie release year
1959
Lyrics added on
26 Apr 2025

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Mm….mm….mmmm….oo….ooo….oo….
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaa
Ulagam oru naal unathammaa
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaa
Ulagam oru naal unathammaa
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaa
Poongaavilae malar kadhalae
Neengaamalae idhzh meethilae
Thean thuliyaai nee piranthaai
Thean thuliyaai nee piranthaai
Kanavum ninaivum idhuvaa…aa….aa…aa…
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaa
Ulagam oru naal unathammaa
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaa
Meen polavae vizhi thaavuthae
Nee thoongavae kuyil koovuthe mmmm….oo…oo…oo…
Meen polavae vizhi thaavuthae
Nee thoongavae kuyil koovuthe
Neramithae aaramuthae neramithae aaramuthae
Kanavum ninaivum idhuvaa…aa….aa….aa…
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaa
Ulagam oru naal unathammaa
Nilavum thaaraiyum neeyammaa
Mm... mm... mmmm... oh... oh... oh...
You are the moon and the stars, my little child,
One day, this world will be yours.
You are the moon and the stars, my little child,
One day, this world will be yours.
You are the moon and the stars, my little child...
In this flower garden, my sweet blossom of love,
Resting softly upon the flower petals,
You were born like a drop of sweet honey.
You were born like a drop of sweet honey.
Is this all a dream or is it real... ah... ah... ah...?
You are the moon and the stars, my little child,
One day, this world will be yours.
You are the moon and the stars, my little child,
Your eyes dart gently like little fish,
The cuckoo sings to lull you to sleep... mmmm oh... oh... oh...
Your eyes dart gently like little fish,
The cuckoo sings to lull you to sleep,
This is the moment, my sweetest nectar... this is the moment, my sweetest nectar,
Is this all a dream or is it real... ah... ah... ah...?
You are the moon and the stars, my little child,
One day, this world will be yours.
You are the moon and the stars, my little child...
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

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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