- Lyricist
- Udumalai Narayanakavi
- Singers
- P. Susheela, Jikki
- Music director
- Pendyala Nageswara Rao
- Movie name
- Thooya Ullam
- Movie release year
- 1961
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Jan 2025
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Valarum Kalaiyin Paalmathi is an endearing lullaby and blessing song celebrating a beloved child. The lyrics express tender affection, comparing the child to a growing crescent moon of fine arts, a rich bundle of fresh flowers, and the illuminating lamp of the family line. Embracing the child is described as a supreme privilege earned through past penance, bringing boundless peace to the soul. The song showers blessings upon the child, wishing that her life yields fruit like a rich harvest from past good deeds, bringing boundless happiness to her and visual joy to all who behold her. The lyricist Udumalai Narayanakavi weaves deep warmth and traditional values into this poetic composition.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Valarum kalaiyin paalmathi / Malarin kuviyal maanidhi”
Comparing the child directly to a growing full moon ('Paalmathi') and a heap of flowers ('Malarin kuviyal').
Anaphora / Initial Rhyme (Anaiputhal)
“Kulame vilangum deepame / Kulandhai kaniyin deivamae”
Repetition of 'Kulame' and 'Kulandhai' sound in consecutive verses celebrating lineage and child.
Alliteration (Monaithal)
“Panniya punniyam payiraaghi”
Repetition of the 'P' sound ('Panniya', 'punniyam', 'payiraaghi') creates a soothing rhythmic feel.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is a famous duet rendered by P. Susheela and Jikki for the 1961 Tamil film 'Thooya Ullam'. Music was composed by Pendyala Nageswara Rao, and lyrics were penned by the veteran Tamil poet Udumalai Narayanakavi, known for his clean, deeply poetic usage of native Tamil metaphors.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Thooya Ullam
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.