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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thalaattu Paada

From Thudhu Po Chellakiliye · 1991

Lyricist
Kalidasan
Singer
Swarnalatha
Music director
Deva
Details
Thudhu Po Chellakiliye1991

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Thalaatu paada vanthenI came to sing a lullaby
Thathi varum muthu rathamA pearl chariot toddling along
Thaai maaman tholinilaeUpon the maternal uncle's shoulder
Kannurangum nandha vanamA flower garden sleeping soundly
Female
Adi urukkaatha thangamaeOh pure, un-melted gold
Nee karukkatha vairamaeYou are an un-blemished diamond
Adi urukkaatha thangamaeOh pure, un-melted gold
Nee karukkatha vairamaeYou are an un-blemished diamond
Female
Thalaatu paada vanthenI came to sing a lullaby
Thathi varum muthu rathamA pearl chariot toddling along
Thaai maaman tholinilaeUpon the maternal uncle's shoulder
Kannurangum nandha vanamA flower garden sleeping soundly
Female
Aathathaan ilaiyinuDo not grieve, thinking that father is not around
Ammmadi kalangaatheyMy little child, do not feel distressed
Naathoda thanniyai polaLike water flowing alongside young saplings
Naanthaan thonai irupaenI myself will remain as your constant support
Female
Thai maasam thaamraikkiIn the month of Thai, for my lotus child
Mai poosi poo mudipenI will adorn you with eye-kohl and flowers
Vaigaasi pudhu nelavaeOh fresh new moon of the Vaigasi month
Kaikothu vazhi nadapeanI will walk holding your hand
Female
Aariro aararo aariro oh aariroAariro aararo aariro oh aariro
Aariro aariro oh aariro oh aariroAariro aariro oh aariro oh aariro
Aariro oh aariro ….Aariro oh aariro...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This heartwarming Tamil lullaby conveys deep affection, comfort, and assurance to a young child who is missing a father figure. The singer, serving as a protective and caring guardian, reassures the child that they will never be alone and will be cared for with eternal love. Metaphors of priceless treasures like pure gold, untarnished diamonds, and a flowering garden highlight the child's value to the family. Set against rural Tamil cultural traditions, the lyrics refer to customary care such as dressing the child up with kohl and flowers in auspicious Tamil months like Thai and Vaigasi. The soothing rhythm and maternal imagery create an atmosphere of warmth, security, and everlasting familial companionship.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Thalaatu paada vanthen / Thathi varum muthu ratham / Thaai maaman tholinilae

Repetition of the initial 'Tha' sound across lines creating a melodic lullaby cadence.

Metaphor (Uvamaani)

Adi urukkaatha thangamae / Nee karukkatha vairamae

Directly comparing the child to un-melted gold, an unblemished diamond, and a flower garden.

Simile (Uvamai)

Naathoda thanniyai pola / Naanthaan thonai irupaen

Using 'pola' (like) to compare constant support to stream water nourishing young saplings.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Deva with lyrics by Kalidasan, this soothing track features the distinct vocals of Swarnalatha. It highlights the traditional Tamil cultural role of the 'Thaai Maaman' (maternal uncle) who acts as a key protective pillar in a child's life.

Keep listening

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