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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Then Podhigai Kaatre

From Poomani · 1996

Lyricist
Kamakodiyan
Singer
K. S. Chithra
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Poomani1996

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aaraariroo aariroo aarirooLullaby refrain (Aaraariroo aariroo aariroo)
Aaraariroo aariroo aarirooLullaby refrain (Aaraariroo aariroo aariroo)
Aaraariraaroo aarraariraarooLullaby refrain (Aaraariraaroo aarraariraaroo)
Female
Then podhigai kaatraeOh gentle breeze from the southern Podhigai hills,
Then madhurai paataeOh sweet song of Madurai,
Kannamoochi aadumOh playing hide-and-seek,
Pattampoochi poovaeOh flower-like butterfly!
Amma enum vaakiyamThe revered title of 'Mother',
Athu summa vanthu serumaDoes it come effortlessly or easily?
Pillai perum punniyamThe great virtue of bearing a child,
Athu illai enil inbamaWithout it, is there any true happiness?
Female
Kanmani kanmani meethuUpon the eyes of my precious child,
Iru minmini minmini yethuWho lit these two sparkling fireflies?
Then podhigai kaatraeOh gentle breeze from the southern Podhigai hills,
Then madhurai paataeOh sweet song of Madurai,
Female
Siru vaazhai thandu renduLike two delicate plantain stems,
Sinungi varum kaalgalilOn those little legs that walk playfully,
Sevvanthi maalai renduLike two marigold garlands,
Saainthu varum tholgalilOn those gentle shoulders leaning in,
Female
Thaaimai enbathuThe divine state of motherhood,
Athu pola varamum yethadaIs there any supreme blessing equal to it, my dear?
Unnai sumappathuThe act of carrying and nurturing you,
Athu pola sugamum yethadaIs there any happiness comparable to it, my dear?
Ilangaatrin inbamaeOh joy of the soft young breeze,
Ini yethu thunbamaeWhat sorrow could ever exist from now on?
Female
Then podhigai kaatraeOh gentle breeze from the southern Podhigai hills,
Then madhurai paataeOh sweet song of Madurai,
Kannamoochi aadumOh playing hide-and-seek,
Pattampoochi poovaeOh flower-like butterfly!
Amma enum vaakiyamThe revered title of 'Mother',
Athu summa vanthu serumaDoes it come effortlessly or easily?
Pillai perum punniyamThe great virtue of bearing a child,
Athu illai enil inbamaWithout it, is there any true happiness?
Female
Kanmani kanmani meethuUpon the eyes of my precious child,
Iru minmini minmini yethuWho lit these two sparkling fireflies?
Female
Then podhigai kaatraeOh gentle breeze from the southern Podhigai hills,
Then madhurai paataeOh sweet song of Madurai,
Kannamoochi aadumOh playing hide-and-seek,
Pattampoochi poovaeOh flower-like butterfly!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic lullaby celebrates the eternal warmth of maternal love and the sacred blessing of motherhood. The singer tenderly compares the child to pleasant southern breezes, sweet melodies of Madurai, and vibrant butterflies playing hide-and-seek, emphasizing how profoundly a child completes a mother's life.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Pattampoochi poovae

Compares the innocent child to a butterfly flower and glowing fireflies in the eyes.

Simile (Uvamai)

Siru vaazhai thandu rendu

Compares the infant's soft legs to tender plantain stems (vaazhai thandu).

Anaphora / Initial Rhyme (Monaie)

Then podhigai kaatrae / Then madhurai paatae

Repetition of initial word and sound patterns 'Then' across consecutive lines for musical rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although credited as Unknown in the prompt, the soundtrack for Poomani (1996) was composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, starring Prashanth and Devayani. This emotional track highlights Kamakodiyan's evocative lyrical style expressing parental affection.

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