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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thaaya Thaarama

From Thaaya Thaarama · 1989

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Movie name
Thaaya Thaarama
Movie release year
1989
Lyrics added on
12 May 2021

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaa
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaa
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaa
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaa
Thaai veru thaaram veru pengalthaanadaa
Aanaalum rendum rendu kangalthaanadaa
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaa
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaa
Thaali katti kondava thaaramendru vathava
Thakka thunaiyaavaalae ennaalumthaan
Kondavanai kaappava kuttram kurai theerppava
Illaraththin aadhaaram samsaramthaan
Kai niraiya soriduvaal kannuranga paayiduval
Naayaganin per vilanga nalla pillai eendriduvaal
Samsaaram ilaiyae santhosham yaedhadaa
Sanyaasi thaanadaa….
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaa
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaa….
Pillai varam kettava peththeduththu pottava
thottilittu thaalaatti paaloottinaal
Eththanaiyo raththiri patta pagal madhiri
Kann muzhichchi naalthorum aalaakkinaal
Pachcha pillai vaalipanaai
Aana pinnum kaaththiduvaa
Utchi mudhal kaal varaikkum
Ennei vatchu thaeichchiduvaa
Ammaavai paaradaa avalaattam yaaradaa
Arinjaa nee kooradaa….
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaa
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaa….
Thaai veru thaaram veru pengalthaanadaa
Aanaalum rendum rendu kangalthaanadaa
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaa
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaa…
Mother or wife—can that ever be a question?
If you ask, will you ever get an answer?
Mother or wife—can that ever be a question?
If you ask, will you ever get an answer?
Mother and wife are two different women, my friend,
Yet both are like the two eyes in our head!
Mother or wife—can that ever be a question?
If you ask, will you ever get an answer?
The one wed with a thali (sacred wedding thread), who came as a wife,
She will always be a true, steadfast companion.
She protects her husband and forgives his flaws,
A wife is the very foundation of family life.
She serves food with care and lays out the mat for sleep,
She bears good children to bring honor to her husband's name.
Without a wife, where is happiness, my friend?
You would only be a lonely monk...
Mother or wife—can that ever be a question?
If you ask, will you ever get an answer?
She prayed for the blessing of a child and brought you into the world,
She rocked your cradle, sang lullabies, and nursed you.
Staying awake through countless nights as if it were broad daylight,
She watched over you day after day to raise you up.
Even after the tender child
Has grown into a young man, she still protects him.
From the top of his head to his feet,
She applies oil and rubs it with love.
Look at a mother! Who can ever compare to her?
If you know of anyone, tell me...
Mother or wife—can that ever be a question?
If you ask, will you ever get an answer?
Mother and wife are two different women, my friend,
Yet both are like the two eyes in our head!
Mother or wife—can that ever be a question?
If you ask, will you ever get an answer?
Male
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Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

The song 'Thaaya Thaarama' explores the classic philosophical dilemma of choosing between a mother's unconditional love and a wife's devoted companionship. Lyricist Vaali thoughtfully presents both roles not as opposing forces, but as two indispensable pillars of a man's existence, beautifully comparing them to two eyes that are equally essential for vision. The verse dedicated to the wife highlights her role in bringing domestic joy, taking care of daily needs, and preserving family harmony, while the verse dedicated to the mother honors her infinite sacrifices from pregnancy and sleepless nights to nurturing her child into adulthood. Ultimately, the song concludes that comparing a mother and a wife is a meaningless exercise, as both women fulfill unique and sacred roles in a man's life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

“Aanaalum rendum rendu kangalthaanadaa”

Compares mother and wife to two eyes, signifying that both are equally crucial and impossible to choose between.

Simile / Hyperbole (Uvamai)

“Eththanaiyo raththiri patta pagal madhiri”

Compares dark nights spent awake caring for the baby to bright daytime, highlighting maternal devotion.

Rhyme / Alliteration (Edukai & Monai)

“Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaa”

Use of matching initial and secondary sounds in 'Thaayaa' and 'thaaramaa' creates a rhythmic cadence.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the iconic lyricist Vaali, this song addresses a recurring theme in Tamil cinema and social discourse regarding family dynamics, contrasting maternal affection with spousal devotion while emphasizing harmony rather than conflict.

Keep listening

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From the same album

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Adippen Pattathaan1989
Thaaya ThaaramaHumorous
Vachukkodi Vachukkodi1989
Thaaya ThaaramaPlayful
Aagayam Engengum1989
Thaaya ThaaramaRomantic
Adi Aathi Pudhu Poovoda1989
Thaaya ThaaramaFestive

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