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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Thathedutha Muthae Vaa Sad

From Amutha Ganam · 1985

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Amutha Ganam1985

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Hmm mmm mm hmmmHmm mmm mm hmmm
Hmm mm mm mmmHmm mm mm mmm
Hmm mmm mm hmmmHmm mmm mm hmmm
Hmm mm mm mmmHmm mm mm mmm
Hmm hmm hmm hmmmHmm hmm hmm hmmm
Female
Thathedutha muthae vaaCome, my adopted pearl!
Saadhi malli kothae vaaCome, cluster of jasmine flowers!
Female
Haa ..thathedutha muthae vaaAh.. come, my adopted pearl!
Saadhi malli kothae vaaCome, cluster of jasmine flowers!
Sippi ennai paaraaiyoWon't you look at me, the oyster shell?
Sinna mutham thaaraaiyoWon't you give me a little kiss?
Sippi ennai paaraaiyoWon't you look at me, the oyster shell?
Sinna mutham thaaraaiyoWon't you give me a little kiss?
Female
Thathedutha muthae vaaCome, my adopted pearl!
Saadhi malli kothae vaaCome, cluster of jasmine flowers!
Female
Idhu oomaiyin raagangalThese are the silent melodies of a mute person,
Oru ezhaiyin sogangalThe deep sorrows of a poor soul.
Yaar vandhu theerppadhoWho will come to relieve them?
Yaar kaiyil serppadhoInto whose hands will this fate be entrusted?
Oorellaam kaarkaalamIt is monsoon season for the entire town,
Female
Endhan vaanil ennaalum kodaiYet in my sky, it is forever summer.
Endhan vaanil ennaalum kodaiYet in my sky, it is forever summer.
Naan kettu vandha varamThe boon that I came seeking,
Kangal rendum kanneerin odaiHas turned both my eyes into streams of tears.
Kangal rendum kanneerin odai…Has turned both my eyes into streams of tears...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This emotional song from the film 'Amutha Ganam' captures the intense affection and grief of a parental figure calling out to an adopted child. The singer tenderly addresses the child as a cherished pearl ('thathedutha muthu') and a fragrant cluster of jasmines ('saadhi malli'), while referring to themselves as the humble shell ('sippi') that once nurtured it, begging for a gentle kiss of affection. As the song progresses, it delves into poignant sorrow and loneliness. The speaker compares their pain to the unheard melodies of a mute person and describes an unending emotional drought—while the rest of the world experiences a refreshing monsoon, their own sky suffers through endless summer heat, leaving their eyes flowing continuously with tears.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai)

Thathedutha muthae vaa / Sippi ennai paaraaiyo

The child is metaphorically referred to as a pearl ('muthae') and jasmine flowers ('sadhai malli kothae'), while the parent calls themselves the oyster shell ('sippi').

Antithesis / Contrast (Muran)

Oorellaam kaarkaalam / Endhan vaanil ennaalum kodai

Contrasts the rainy season ('kaarkaalam') enjoyed by the town with the endless summer ('kodai') in the speaker's heart to emphasize loneliness.

Rhyme / Assonance (Edhukai)

Idhu oomaiyin raagangal / Oru ezhaiyin sogangal

The second letter agreement in consecutive lines, such as 'oomaiyin' and 'ezhaiyin', enhances the musicality.

Visual Imagery

Kangal rendum kanneerin odai

Vivid imagery of eyes turning into streams of tears ('kanneerin odai') conveys overwhelming sorrow.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the renowned Tamil poet Pulamaipithan, the song 'Thathedutha Muthae Vaa' utilizes traditional Tamil imagery—comparing a mother or guardian to a pearl shell ('sippi') and the child to a pearl ('muthu'). This metaphor is deeply rooted in classical Tamil literature, symbolizing selfless love and nurturing.

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