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Lyrics & meaning

Paattu Oru Paattu Sad

From Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu · 1990

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Chorus
Music director
Sankar Ganesh
Details
Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu1990

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Paattu oru paattuA song, a song
Chinnapillai paadum paattuA song sung by a young child
Paattu oru paattuA song, a song
Chinnapillai paadum paattuA song sung by a young child
Kettu idhai kettuListen, listen to this
Neengal solla vendum vaazhthuYou must offer your blessings
Chorus
Paattu oru paattuA song, a song
Chinnapillai paadum paattuA song sung by a young child
Kettu idhai kettuListen, listen to this
Neengal solla vendum vaazhthuYou must offer your blessings
Chorus
Paattu oru paattuA song, a song
Male
Sodhanai thodarnthu varum vedhanaiPain comes continuously following trials
Adhai edhirthu vaazhnthu kaattuFace it and show how to live
Adhu thaanae saadhanaiThat indeed is true achievement
Nermaiyum uruthiyulla nenjamumAs long as honesty and a resolute heart exist
Irukkum varai mannil yaedhu mudiyadha kaariyamWhat task on this earth is impossible?
Male
Neengaatha pasam konduWith unceasing affection
Nilaiyaana naesam konduWith everlasting love
Vaazhgindra pillai ondru vaayara paadumA living child sings wholeheartedly
paattu oru paattuA song, a song
Chorus
Paattu oru paattuA song, a song
Chinnapillai paadum paattuA song sung by a young child
Kettu idhai kettuListen, listen to this
Neengal solla vendum vaazhthuYou must offer your blessings
Chorus
Paattu oru paattuA song, a song
Male
Thanthaiyum madi sumandha annaiyumThe father, and the mother who carried on her lap
Mugathin iru kangal endruAs two eyes on a face
Magan pottra vendumaeA son must cherish them
Kangalai imaigal ena kaathidaTo protect them like eyelids protect the eyes
Pirantha magan kaalanthoorum paniyattra vendumaeThe born son must serve them throughout time
Male
Vidiyaatha iravum illaiThere is no night that does not dawn
Velukkadha kizhakkum illaiThere is no east that does not brighten
Varakkoodum kaalam neramThe time that is meant to arrive will come
Vasandhangal nammai serumSpring will surely reach us
Chorus
Paattu oru paattuA song, a song
Chinnapillai paadum paattuA song sung by a young child
Kettu idhai kettuListen, listen to this
Neengal solla vendum vaazhthuYou must offer your blessings
Chorus
Paattu oru paattuA song, a song

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Paattu Oru Paattu from Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu (1990) is an inspiring song sung from the innocent perspective of a young child, asking for the audience's warmth and blessings. Beyond its playful structure, the lyrics written by Vaali deliver powerful life lessons regarding perseverance, moral integrity, filial devotion, and enduring hope. The child urges everyone to face continuous struggles bravely, asserting that overcoming adversity through honesty and strength of mind is the true definition of success. Furthermore, the song emphasizes the duty of a child to respect and protect parents like eyelids shielding the eyes. It closes with a universal truth of hope: just as every dark night gives way to dawn, good times and joy ('spring') will eventually arrive for those who stay resolute.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Rhyme (Iyaibu)

Sodhanai thodarnthu varum vedhanai / Adhai edhirthu vaazhnthu kaattu / Adhu thaanae saadhanai

Internal and end rhymes like Sodhanai, vedhanai, and saadhanai create melodic harmony and reinforce the philosophical progression from trial to achievement.

Simile (Uvamai)

Mugathin iru kangal endru... Kangalai imaigal ena kaathida

Compares parents to two eyes on a face, and serving them to eyelids protecting the eyes.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Vasandhangal nammai serum

'Vasandhangal' (spring) is used as a metaphor for happiness, prosperity, and better times coming into life.

Repetition (Epanalepsis / Anaphora)

Paattu oru paattu / Kettu idhai kettu

Repetition of phrases like 'Paattu oru paattu' and 'Kettu idhai kettu' emphasizes the musical narrative structure and rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu (1990) is a Tamil drama starring Prabhu and Ramya Krishnan. The music for the film was composed by Deva with lyrics penned by veteran lyricist Vaali. Songs from this era written by Vaali frequently blended child-like innocence with deep moral philosophy.

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