- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singers
- Jayachandran, S. P. Sailaja
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Anbe Sangeetha
- Movie release year
- 1979
- Lyrics added on
- 21 Apr 2019
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Pethaalum pethenadaa' from 'Anbe Sangeetha' (1979) is a lighthearted musical banter between parents regarding their mischievous son. The father comically complains about the boy's endless trouble-making—from breaking things, getting into neighborhood fights, to avoiding daily routines—comparing him to a tailless monkey. In response, the mother affectionately defends the child, drawing a classic mythological parallel to Goddess Yashoda and Lord Krishna. She reminds her husband that a mother understands her child's playful antics best, emphasizing her deep-rooted maternal bond from the cradle compared to the father's role.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)
“Kattil mattum undhan sondham / Thottil thottu endhan bandham”
Rhyming of the second letter in consecutive lines: 'Pethaalum' and 'Oru' (with 'th' and 'r' rhythm), as well as 'Kattil' and 'Thottil' (the 'tt' sound).
Metaphor / Hyperbole
“Ada kaala vechaan / Rendu kaiya vechaan / Oru vaala mattum vittu vechaan”
Comparing the child's playful mischievousness to having hands and feet of a monkey, lacking only a tail ('vaala mattum vittu vechaan').
Mythological Allusion (Uvamai / Mythological Reference)
“Kannanai arindhaval thaan Annai yasodhaa / Than magan leelaigal Thaai manam ariyaadhaa”
Comparing the mother-son dynamic to that of Lord Krishna and Mother Yashoda to justify his mischievous antics as divine playfulness (Leela).
Did you know?
Trivia
Anbe Sangeetha (1979) is a classic Tamil movie starring Jai Ganesh and Sumithra, with music composed by Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics penned by Vaali.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Anbe Sangeetha
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.