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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Per Sollum Pillai Male

From Per Sollum Pillai · 1987

Lyricist
Gangai Amaran
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Per Sollum Pillai1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Per sollum pillai nee thaanaeAre you not the child who brings fame to the family name?
Oor sollum pillai nee thaanaeAre you not the child praised by the whole town?
Unnai yen poga chonnaaloWhy did she ask you to leave?
Pogum paadhai paarthu paarthuWatching endlessly at the path you walked away on,
Kannil kanneer kondaal un annaiYour mother holds tears in her eyes.
Male
Per sollum pillai nee thaanaeAre you not the child who brings fame to the family name?
Oor sollum pillai nee thaanaeAre you not the child praised by the whole town?
Unnai yen poga chonnaaloWhy did she ask you to leave?
Pogum paadhai paarthu paarthuWatching endlessly at the path you walked away on,
Kannil kanneer kondaal un annaiYour mother holds tears in her eyes.
Male
Per sollum pillai nee thaanaeAre you not the child who brings fame to the family name?
Oor sollum pillai nee thaanaeAre you not the child praised by the whole town?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song expresses the deep pain, regret, and enduring love of a mother toward a dutiful son who has departed. The lyrics highlight how the son is the pride of both his family and the entire village. Despite having sent him away in a moment of circumstance or conflict, the mother now stares constantly down the road he took, weeping for his presence and longing for his return.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Per sollum pillai nee thaanae / Oor sollum pillai nee thaanae

The second letter consonant sound 'r' matches between 'Per' and 'Oor', creating a smooth rhythm at the start of the lines.

Adukku Thodar (Repetition for Emphasis)

Pogum paadhai paarthu paarthu

The word 'paarthu' is repeated sequentially to emphasize the continuous, sorrowful watching of the mother.

Visual Imagery

Kannil kanneer kondaal un annai

The lyric evokes a poignant visual of a mother with tear-filled eyes staring down an empty path.

Did you know?

Trivia

Per Sollum Pillai (1987) stars Kamal Haasan, Radhika, and K. R. Vijaya, directed by S. P. Muthuraman with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film's narrative strongly revolves around maternal affection, sacrifice, and family obligation.

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