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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pappa Paadum

From Durga · 1990

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
M. S. Rajeswari
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Durga1990

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Female
Pappa paadum paattu..The song sung by the child..
Kettu thalaiya aattu…Listen to it and nod your head...
Pappa paadum paattu..The song sung by the child..
Kettu thalaiya aattu…Listen to it and nod your head...
Female
Moonu perum onnu thaane…All three of us are one and the same...
Ammaavukku kannu thaane..We are like the precious eyes to mother...
Onnaa viliyaadalaam…Let us play together...
Female
Chinna kuyil naan paadinaalIf I, a little cuckoo, sing,
Unakkum pudikkum vaaYou will like it too, come,
Chinna kili naan pesinaalIf I, a little parrot, speak,
Unakkum puriyum vaa…You will understand too, come...
Female
Nammattam veraarum illaiThere is no one else like us,
Naam thaane anbukku ellai…We are the very definition of love...
Onnaaga paadi …onnaaga aadiSinging together, dancing together,
Onnaa vilaiyadalaam…Let us play together...
Female
Pappa paadum paattu..The song sung by the child..
Kettu thalaiya aattu…Listen to it and nod your head...
Moonu perum onnu thaane…All three of us are one and the same...
Ammaavukku kannu thaane..We are like the precious eyes to mother...
Onnaa viliyaadalaam….Let us play together...
Pappa paadum paattu..The song sung by the child..
Kettu thalaiya aattu…Listen to it and nod your head...
Female
Ennaalumae un maela thaanForever upon you,
Usira iruppen naanI will reside as life itself,
Ennai vittu nee odinaa…If you run away leaving me...
Thaniya thavippen naan…I will suffer all alone...
Female
En paattu un kaadhil vizhanum…My song should fall upon your ears...
Engae nee irundhaalum varanumWherever you are, you must come,
Vaayaala pesa mudiyaatti kooda..Even if unable to speak with words..
Kannaalae naan pesalaam…I can speak through the eyes...
Female
Pappa paadum paattu..The song sung by the child..
Kettu thalaiya aattu…Listen to it and nod your head...
Moonu perum onnu thaane…All three of us are one and the same...
Ammaavukku kannu thaane..We are like the precious eyes to mother...
Onnaa viliyaadalaam….Let us play together...
Onnaa viliyaadalaam….Let us play together...
Onnaa viliyaadalaam….Let us play together...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Pappa Paadum Paattu from the 1990 film Durga is an innocent and heartwarming song centered around a young child expressing her deep bond with her companions—her beloved pet dog and monkey. The lyrics reflect pure childhood innocence, joyful playfulness, and unwavering affection, presenting the trio as an inseparable unit that brings light to their home. The song highlights how true friendship and love transcend language barriers. The child expresses that even without verbal speech, emotions can be communicated through music, play, and heartfelt gaze, reinforcing themes of unconditional love and togetherness.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

“Chinna kuyil naan paadinaal / Chinna kili naan pesinaal”

The child metaphorically compares herself to a sweet cuckoo bird (kuyil) and a talking parrot (kili) to emphasize her sweet voice and playful innocence.

Etukai (Second Letter Rhyming)

“Onnaaga paadi …onnaaga aadi”

Rhyming of the second consonant in consecutive words or lines, such as 'paadi' and 'aadi'.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

“Chinna kuyil naan paadinaal... Chinna kili naan pesinaal...”

End-rhyming structure used to maintain a cheerful nursery-rhyme rhythm, such as 'paadinaal' and 'pesinaal' or 'pudikkum vaa' and 'puriyum vaa'.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)

“Naam thaane anbukku ellai…”

Exaggerating affection by calling the trio 'the very boundary/limit of love' (anbukku ellai).

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is iconic for featuring Baby Shamili in the lead role alongside a trained dog and monkey, who perform playful routines in sync with the lyrics. Legendary singer M. S. Rajeswari, renowned for her unique vocal timbre suited for child songs in Tamil cinema since the 1940s, rendered this song, making it one of her memorable late-career hits.

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