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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thaaya Thaarama

From Thaaya Thaarama · 1989

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Thaaya Thaarama1989

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaaIs it mother or wife, can it even be a question?
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaaIf asked, will there be an answer to that question?
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaaIs it mother or wife, can it even be a question?
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaaIf asked, will there be an answer to that question?
Male
Thaai veru thaaram veru pengalthaanadaaMother is different and wife is different, they are women, my friend.
Aanaalum rendum rendu kangalthaanadaaYet both are like two eyes, my friend.
Male
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaaIs it mother or wife, can it even be a question?
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaaIf asked, will there be an answer to that question?
Male
Thaali katti kondava thaaramendru vathavaThe one who comes as a wife after tying the sacred thread,
Thakka thunaiyaavaalae ennaalumthaanShe becomes a suitable companion forever.
Kondavanai kaappava kuttram kurai theerppavaShe protects her husband and resolves faults and shortcomings,
Illaraththin aadhaaram samsaramthaanA wife is indeed the foundation of domestic life.
Male
Kai niraiya soriduvaal kannuranga paayiduvalShe feeds with hands full and lays out the bed for sleep,
Naayaganin per vilanga nalla pillai eendriduvaalShe gives birth to good children to elevate her husband's name.
Samsaaram ilaiyae santhosham yaedhadaaWithout a wife, where is happiness, my friend?
Sanyaasi thaanadaa….One would just be an ascetic, my friend...
Male
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaaIs it mother or wife, can it even be a question?
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaa….If asked, will there be an answer to that question?...
Male
Pillai varam kettava peththeduththu pottavaShe prayed for the boon of a child, gave birth, and brought it into the world,
thottilittu thaalaatti paaloottinaalShe put the child in a cradle, sang lullabies, and nursed it.
Eththanaiyo raththiri patta pagal madhiriSo many nights, treating them like bright day,
Kann muzhichchi naalthorum aalaakkinaalStaying awake every day, she raised the child into an adult.
Male
Pachcha pillai vaalipanaaiEven after the young child becomes a youth,
Aana pinnum kaaththiduvaaShe continues to protect him.
Utchi mudhal kaal varaikkumFrom the top of the head down to the feet,
Ennei vatchu thaeichchiduvaaShe applies oil and rubs it lovingly.
Ammaavai paaradaa avalaattam yaaradaaLook at mother, who is there like her, my friend?
Arinjaa nee kooradaa….If you know, do tell, my friend...
Male
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaaIs it mother or wife, can it even be a question?
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaa….If asked, will there be an answer to that question?...
Male
Thaai veru thaaram veru pengalthaanadaaMother is different and wife is different, they are women, my friend.
Aanaalum rendum rendu kangalthaanadaaYet both are like two eyes, my friend.
Male
Thaayaa thaaramaa kelvi aagumaaIs it mother or wife, can it even be a question?
Kettaal kelvikku bathil kidaikkumaa…If asked, will there be an answer to that question...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

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