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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thaai Un Thaai

From Pennai Nambungal · 1973

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
P. Susheela, K. Swarna
Music director
V. Kumar
Details
Pennai Nambungal1973

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thaai un thaai kulam thazhaikka vanthaaiOh mother, you came to make your motherly clan flourish
Uyir pizhaikka vanthaaiYou came for our souls to survive
Thaai un thaai kulam thazhaikka vanthaaiOh mother, you came to make your motherly clan flourish
Uyir pizhaikka vanthaaiYou came for our souls to survive
Female
Muththaai mullai koththaaiLike a pearl, like a cluster of jasmine flowers
Muththaai mullai koththaaiLike a pearl, like a cluster of jasmine flowers
Engal soththaai nee piranthaaiYou were born as our wealth
Female
Thaai un thaai kulam thazhaikka vanthaaiOh mother, you came to make your motherly clan flourish
Uyir pizhaikka vanthaaiYou came for our souls to survive
Female
Vaaivitu sollaatha vedhanaiyilIn the unspeakable agony
Unthan thaai pattu vantha sodhanaiyilIn the trial that your mother endured
Vaaivitu sollaatha vedhanaiyilIn the unspeakable agony
Unthan thaai pattu vantha sodhanaiyilIn the trial that your mother endured
Female
Kaaivitta maramaai malarvitta kodiyaaiLike a fruit-bearing tree, like a blossoming creeper
Kaaivitta maramaai malarvitta kodiyaaiLike a fruit-bearing tree, like a blossoming creeper
Both :Nee vanthu thavazhnthaai en manaiyilYou came and crawled into my home
Female
Thaai un thaai kulam thazhaikka vanthaaiOh mother, you came to make your motherly clan flourish
Uyir pizhaikka vanthaaiYou came for our souls to survive
Female
Appa mudhugil aanai vilaiyaattuPlaying elephant rides on your father's back
Anbu maganae nee aadi vanthu kaattuBeloved son, come and show us your play
Appa mudhugil aanai vilaiyaattuPlaying elephant rides on your father's back
Anbu maganae nee aadi vanthu kaattuBeloved son, come and show us your play
Female
Antha naal indru entha naal endruWhich day was that day, and what day is today
Annai manam ketkum unnidathil indruMother's heart asks you today
Female
Thaai un thaai kulam thazhaikka vanthaaiOh mother, you came to make your motherly clan flourish
Uyir pizhaikka vanthaaiYou came for our souls to survive
Female
Paal manam maaraatha mazhalaiyilaeIn the innocent babyhood smelling of milk
Annai maranthiruppaal than kavalai thanaiThe mother forgets all her worries
Naaloru vithamaai naan kanda kanavaaiAs a dream I envisioned in different ways each day
Nee vanthu thavazhnthaai en manaiyilYou came and crawled into my home
Innaal inbam pinnaal varum nannaal yaararivaarWho knows if today's happiness will bring a bright future
Female
Thaai un thaai kulam thazhaikka vanthaaiOh mother, you came to make your motherly clan flourish
Uyir pizhaikka vanthaaiYou came for our souls to survive

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This tender song from the 1973 film Pennai Nambungal celebrates the arrival of a long-awaited child who brings immense happiness, solace, and new life to the family. The mother and elders express how the innocence and presence of the newborn wash away past sorrows and hardships faced by the family, transforming their household into a place of joy. Through vivid imagery of childhood playfulness and maternal affection, lyricist Vaali emphasizes the sacred bond between a mother and her child, highlighting the child as an irreplaceable treasure born to nourish and sustain the family lineage.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamai)

Muththaai mullai koththaai

Compares the child to pearls and jasmine clusters to accentuate pure beauty and value.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Engal soththaai nee piranthaai

Directly identifies the child as the family's true wealth and treasure.

Imagery & Metaphor

Kaaivitta maramaai malarvitta kodiyaai

Uses fruit-bearing trees and blooming creepers as metaphors for fertility, growth, and joy brought by the child.

Did you know?

Trivia

Pennai Nambungal (1973) featured music composed by V. Kumar, who was known for his distinct melodic style during the late 60s and 70s in Tamil cinema. The song features a duet between legendary playback singer P. Susheela and singer K. Swarna, penned by the prolific lyricist Vaali.

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