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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thaale Thaale En Premai

From Bala Nagamma · 1960

Lyricist
Kambadasan
Singer
P. Leela
Music director
Paamarthi
Details
Bala Nagamma1960

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thaalae thaalae en premai kilikaal thaalaeLullaby, lullaby, my beloved parrots, lullaby.
Chorus :Thaalae thaalae anbae paingilikaal thaalaeChorus: Lullaby, lullaby, dear sweet green parrots, lullaby.
All :Jo jo hoo jo jo hooAll: Lullaby sounds (Jo jo hoo jo jo hoo).
Female
Aabathendraal paar meethendrumWhenever danger arises on this earth,
Anbu naagar thunaiThe loving serpent stands as a protective companion.
Chorus :Nal anbu naagar thunaiChorus: The good, loving serpent stands as a protective companion.
Female
Perarulilae annaiyaagumIn its supreme grace, it becomes like a mother,
Perumai vaainthathindraeIt is bestowed with great pride and honor today.
Chorus :Per inbam sernthathingaeChorus: Immense joy has united right here today.
Female
Thaalae thaalae en premai kilikaal thaalaeLullaby, lullaby, my beloved parrots, lullaby.
Chorus :Thaalae thaalae anbae paingilikaal thaalaeChorus: Lullaby, lullaby, dear sweet green parrots, lullaby.
All :Jo jo hoo jo jo hoo mm mm mm mmm….All: Lullaby sounds (Jo jo hoo jo jo hoo mm mm mm mmm....).
Hmm mm mm mmm mm mm mmmHumming sounds (Hmm mm mm mmm mm mm mmm).

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a tender lullaby sung to soothe young ones, affectionately addressing them as sweet parrots ('premai kilikaal'). The lyrics convey themes of divine guardian protection and maternal warmth, illustrating how a benevolent serpent acts like a protective mother whenever danger manifests on earth. Composed by Paamarthi with lyrics by Kambadasan and sung sweetly by P. Leela, the song radiates peace, maternal affection, and spiritual reassurance through its rhythmic refrains.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Thaalae thaalae en premai kilikaal thaalae

Addressing the loved ones as sweet green parrots ('premai kilikaal' / 'paingilikaal') and describing the benevolent cobra as a mother ('annaiyaagum').

Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)

Perarulilae annaiyaagum / Perumai vaainthathindrae

The second letter 'ra' rhymes across 'Perarulilae' and 'Perumai'.

Repetition (Anaphora / Rhythm)

Thaalae thaalae en premai kilikaal thaalae

The word 'Thaalae' (lullaby) is repeated to create a soothing rhythmic effect suitable for a lullaby.

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Trivia

The legend of Bala Nagamma is one of the most famous folkloric tales in South India, featuring dramatic themes of divine serpents acting as guardians. This 1960 Tamil film adaptation featured music by Paamarthi, with prominent tracks sung by legendary vocalist P. Leela.

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