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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Salaam Baabu

From Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum · 1956

Lyricist
A. Maruthakasi
Singers
Jikki, Chorus
Music director
Susarla Dakshinamurthi
Details
Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum1956

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
O ho… oo… oo… oo…Oh ho… oo… oo… oo…
Salaam baabu salaam baabuGreetings sir, greetings sir,
Ennai paarungaLook at me!
Thanga kaiyinaalae kaasaiWith your golden hands,
Alli veesungaShower coins generously!
Salaam baabu o salaam baabuGreetings sir, oh greetings sir!
Female
Salaam baabu salaam baabuGreetings sir, greetings sir,
Ennai paarungaLook at me!
Thanga kaiyinaalae kaasaiWith your golden hands,
Alli veesungaShower coins generously!
Chorus
Salaam baabu salaam baabuGreetings sir, greetings sir,
Ennai paarungaLook at me!
Thanga kaiyinaalae kaasaiWith your golden hands,
Alli veesungaShower coins generously!
Female
Oo… oo… oo… oo…Oo… oo… oo… oo…
Oo… oo… oo… oo…Oo… oo… oo… oo…
Female
Thallaadha kizhavarukkumEven in a frail old man,
Thaalaadha aasaiyaeAn overwhelming desire,
Thannaalae undaagaSpontaneously arises,
Kannaalae pesiyaeSpeaking through the eyes!
Female
Thallaadha kizhavarukkumEven in a frail old man,
Thaalaadha aasaiyaeAn overwhelming desire,
Thannaalae undaagaSpontaneously arises,
Kannaalae pesiyaeSpeaking through the eyes!
Female
Kaandha silai kaadhal valaiA magnetic statue casting a net of love,
Kaandha silai kaadhal valaiA magnetic statue casting a net of love,
Veesum nilai paarungaLook at this captivating posture!
Kanavu illainga ninaivu thaanungaThis is no dream, sir, this is real!
Kanavu illainga ninaivu thaanungaThis is no dream, sir, this is real!
Kanamaenum veen kaalam kazhikkaadheengaDo not waste even a single moment!
Female
Maasillaa azhagaalaeWith unblemished beauty,
Aanandham moottiyaeKindling pure delight,
Vaanavillil kaanaadhaDisplaying colorful magic,
Varna jaalam kaattiyaeUnseen even in a rainbow!
Female
Maasillaa azhagaalaeWith unblemished beauty,
Aanandham moottiyaeKindling pure delight,
Vaanavillil kaanaadhaDisplaying colorful magic,
Varna jaalam kaattiyaeUnseen even in a rainbow!
Female
Jolikkum undai thalukku nadaiA glowing figure with a graceful walk,
Jolikkum undai thalukku nadaiA glowing figure with a graceful walk,
Mayakkum mugam paarungaLook at this mesmerizing face!
Sondham kondaalae inbam undaagumEmbracing this bond brings supreme bliss,
Sondham kondaalae inbam undaagumEmbracing this bond brings supreme bliss,
Kanamaenum veen kaalam kazhikkaadheengaDo not waste even a single moment!
Female
Salaam baabu ooo salaam baabuGreetings sir, oh greetings sir!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

In 'Salaam Baabu', a dancer entertains and captivates her audience, calling upon the wealthy patrons to gaze at her allure and generously tip her with gold coins. She playfully boasts that her spellbinding eyes and magnetic presence can rekindle passion even in a frail old man, urging spectators not to waste time in daydreaming but to embrace the living joy of the moment.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Kaandha silai kaadhal valai

Compares the performer to an attractive magnetic statue ('Kaandha silai') and her charms to a net of love ('kaadhal valai').

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navirchi Ani)

Vaanavillil kaanaadha varna jaalam kaattiyae

Exaggerates her visual charm by describing it as magical colors that cannot even be found in a natural rainbow.

Initial Alliteration (Monai)

Thallaadha kizhavarukkum / Thaalaadha aasaiyae / Thannaalae undaaga

Repetition of the initial sound 'Th' across successive lines to enhance rhythmic flow.

Did you know?

Trivia

Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1956) was the first full-length Geva Color film made in South India. The music for this hit song was composed by Susarla Dakshinamurthi, sung by the celebrated playback singer Jikki, and penned by lyricist A. Maruthakasi.

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