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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ungu Ungu Ungu

From Karthigai Deepam · 1965

Lyricist
Aalangudi Somu
Singer
L. R. Eswari
Music director
R. Sudharsanam
Details
Karthigai Deepam1965

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Ungu unguEat, eat (baby coaxing sound)
Ungu unnada selvamaeEat, eat your food, my precious treasure
Ungu unnada selvamaeEat, eat your food, my precious treasure
Sangilae un panghu oorudhuYour share of milk flows from the conch feeder
Ungu unnada selvamaeEat, eat your food, my precious treasure
Sangilae un panghu oorudhuYour share of milk flows from the conch feeder
Ungu unnada selvamaeEat, eat your food, my precious treasure
Female
Thangha veenaiyae thamizhin oosaiyaeOh golden veena, oh sweet sound of Tamil
Thavazhum podhigaiyin thendraleOh gentle breeze crawling over the Pothigai hills
Thangha veenaiyae thamizhin oosaiyaeOh golden veena, oh sweet sound of Tamil
Thavazhum podhigaiyin thendraleOh gentle breeze crawling over the Pothigai hills
Thaayin mananili therindha pinnumEven after knowing your mother's yearning heart
Thaamadham seiyaadhae kannaeDo not delay any longer, my beloved child
Female
Ungu …ungu unnada selvamaeEat... eat, eat your food, my precious treasure
Sangilae un panghu oorudhuYour share of milk flows from the conch feeder
Ungu unnada selvamaeEat, eat your food, my precious treasure
Female
Sengarumbhin vaai thirandhuOpening the sweet sugarcane-like mouth
Sidharum mazhalai thaen surandhuOverflowing with honeyed baby babble
Sengarumbhin vaai thirandhuOpening the sweet sugarcane-like mouth
Sidharum mazhalai thaen surandhuOverflowing with honeyed baby babble
Anga thamarai vaadumunnaeBefore your lotus-like body gets tired
Amudham unnadaa endhan kannaeCome eat this nectar, my darling child
Female
Ungu …ungu unnada selvamaeEat... eat, eat your food, my precious treasure
Sangilae un panghu oorudhuYour share of milk flows from the conch feeder
Ungu unnada selvamaeEat, eat your food, my precious treasure
Female
Vennilaavai paada solvenI will ask the white moon to sing for you
Veesum thendralai aada seivenI will make the blowing breeze dance for you
Vennilaavai paada solvenI will ask the white moon to sing for you
Veesum thendralai aada seivenI will make the blowing breeze dance for you
Kannae munnavar veeram valarthaMy child, I shall tell you all the stories
Kadhaigal yaavaiyum unakku solvenOf the valor cultivated by our forefathers
Female
Ungu …ungu unnada selvamaeEat... eat, eat your food, my precious treasure
Sangilae un panghu oorudhuYour share of milk flows from the conch feeder
Ungu unnada selvamaeEat, eat your food, my precious treasure

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic lullaby and feeding song from the 1965 film 'Karthigai Deepam' depicts a tender moment between a mother and her young child. The mother coaxes her baby to eat by showering affectionately imaginative compliments—comparing the infant to a golden veena, the sweet melody of the Tamil language, and the gentle breeze blowing from the Pothigai mountains.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Thangha veenaiyae thamizhin oosaiyae

Compares the child directly to a golden veena (musical instrument) and the divine sound of Tamil.

Simile / Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagam)

Sengarumbhin vaai thirandhu / Anga thamarai vaadumunnae

Compares the baby's mouth to red sugarcane ('Sengarumbu') and delicate body to a lotus flower ('Anga thamarai').

Personification

Vennilaavai paada solven / Veesum thendralai aada seiven

Attributes human actions such as singing to the moon and dancing to the gentle breeze.

Did you know?

Trivia

Although L. R. Eswari is widely celebrated for her high-energy, sensual, and upbeat dance numbers in Tamil cinema during the 60s and 70s, songs like 'Ungu Unnada Selvamae' showcased her remarkable versatility in delivering soft, emotive, and tender maternal lullabies.

Keep listening

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