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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vaa Chellam

From Ponmagal Vandhal · 2020

Lyricist
Vivek
Singers
Brinda Sivakumar Chorus : Kamalaja, Roshni, Ala B Bala, Deepthi
Music director
Govind Vasantha
Details
Ponmagal Vandhal2020

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Vaa chellam en vaazhkaCome darling, my life,
Parisaa thandha poovaeOh flower gifted to me!
Thaayaaga enna pethaWho birthed me like a mother,
Thaayae vaadiOh my mother, come dear!
Female
Nee kaettaa en usuraIf you ask, my very life force,
Paalaa thaaren poovaeI shall give as milk, my flower.
Nee neendhathaanJust for you to swim,
Kaigal konden vaadiI gained these hands, come dear.
Female
Kodi kangalum podhaadhuEven ten million eyes aren't enough,
Azhagaana un mogam paakkaTo gaze at your beautiful face.
Varam vaangi vaikkavaeTo receive and hold all the blessings,
Kai podhaadhae…ae….ae….These hands aren't enough...
Female
Nooru vaanavil podhaadhuA hundred rainbows aren't enough,
Una pola oviyam theettaTo paint a portrait like you.
Podhum pillai vaasam mattumIt is enough, just the scent of my child,
Podhum vaadiIt is enough, come dear.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This soulful song from 'Ponmagal Vandhal' captures the profound, unconditional affection of a mother for her child. The lyrics describe how the child's presence gives a complete rebirth to the mother, playfully acknowledging the child as her own 'mother' who brings infinite joy and purpose to her life. Using poetic hyperboles, the lyrics express that even ten million eyes wouldn't be enough to behold the child's beauty, nor would a hundred rainbows suffice to capture her vibrant spirit. Ultimately, the simple scent and warmth of the child are all the mother needs to feel completely fulfilled.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Parisaa thandha poovae

Compares the child directly to a gifted flower ('Parisaa thandha poovae') and reveres her as a mother figure ('Thaayaaga enna petha').

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navitchi Ani)

Kodi kangalum podhaadhu

Uses extreme exaggeration—stating ten million eyes are insufficient to look at the child's face—to emphasize her overwhelming beauty.

Imagery / Imagery of Nature

Nooru vaanavil podhaadhu

Uses the vivid image of a hundred rainbows to portray the vibrant visual perfection of the child.

Rhyme / Alliteration (Monai & Ethirai)

Podhum pillai vaasam mattum / Podhum vaadi

Repetition of sound patterns like 'Podhum' across lines 15 and 16 creates a soothing, rhythmic cadence suitable for a maternal song.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Vaa Chellam' is featured in the 2020 court drama 'Ponmagal Vandhal' starring Jyothika. The song was composed by Govind Vasantha, with tender lyrics written by Vivek. Notably, the track was sung by Brindha Sivakumar, who is the sister of actor Suriya (and sister-in-law to Jyothika), adding a warm personal family connection to the song's production.

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