- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- M. S. Rajeswari
- Music director
- Shankar Ganesh
- Movie name
- Durga
- Movie release year
- 1990
- Lyrics added on
- 11 Mar 2026
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Pappa Paadum Paattu is an endearing children's song from the 1990 Tamil movie Durga, picturized on Baby Shamili along with her animal companions (a pet dog and a monkey). The song captures the pure, unconditional affection of a young child expressing her desire to play, share her life, and communicate emotionally beyond words with her close companions.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhukai (Second Letter Rhyming)
“Pappa paadum paattu / Kettu thalaiya aattu”
The second letters of 'Pappa' and 'Kettu' or 'paattu' and 'aattu' create rhythmic rhyming in Tamil poetic structure.
Monaai (Alliteration)
“Pappa paadum paattu”
Repetition of the initial 'P' sound creates a playful and rhythmic meter suited for a nursery-style song.
Metaphor
“Ammaavukku kannu thaane”
Comparing loved ones to 'eyes' (kannu), symbolizing something extremely precious and indispensable.
Refrain / Repetition
“Onnaa viliyaadalaam….”
Repetition of 'Onnaa viliyaadalaam' highlights the childish enthusiasm and insistence on staying together.
Did you know?
Trivia
Singer M. S. Rajeswari was famous in South Indian cinema for her unique ability to lend playback vocals for child actors. Her distinct vocals for Baby Shamili in Durga helped the song become an enduring favorite among children in the 1990s.
Keep listening
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