- Lyricist
- Pulamaipithan
- Singer
- P. Susheela
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Varam
- Movie release year
- 1989
- Lyrics added on
- 4 May 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This gentle lullaby from the film Varam (1989), composed by M. S. Vishwanathan and rendered by P. Susheela, expresses a mother's immense love and grand aspirations for her young child. She requests absolute silence around her infant so he can enjoy undisturbed, dreamless sleep. As she rocks him to sleep, she envisions a grand future where he grows up to be a revered leader or king, commanded by armies and honored by society. Her vision of his bright destiny fills her eyes with tears of maternal pride and affection, which she prays will bless them across seven reincarnations.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Uwamai (Metaphor)
“Mazhalai kizhiyae kannurangu”
The mother affectionately addresses her child as 'Mazhalai kizhiyae' (lisping parrot) and compares his delicate sleep to that of a 'Kasthuri maan' (musk deer).
Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi)
“Paasathil en kangal panneerai vaarkkum”
Describing her tears as 'panneer' (rosewater) highlights the supreme purity and tender delight of maternal tears.
Onomatopoeia
“Kaarkaala megangal thaalattu paadum usshh”
The sound 'usshh' mimics the hush sound used by mothers to soothe infants into quiet sleep.
Moonaal / Alliteration
“Pattaalam nee sollum kattalaiyai ketkum”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds across successive lines ('Pattaalam', 'Paasathil') creates a rhythmic, musical quality characteristic of classic Tamil poetry.
Did you know?
Trivia
This lullaby showcases M. S. Vishwanathan's knack for creating soft, atmospheric melodies paired with lyricist Pulamaipithan's rich poetic imagery. P. Susheela, renowned for her soothing vocals in classical and film lullabies, incorporates gentle shushing sounds ('usshh') directly into the song structure to create an authentic maternal ambiance.
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