Dhesiya Geetham
From Desiya Geetham · 1998
- Lyricist
- Arivumathi
- Singer
- K. J. Yesudas
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Desiya Geetham1998
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Chorus | |
| Om bharatha maatha janani | Om Mother India, the mother |
| Vanthae maatharam | Salutations to the Motherland |
| Om bharatha maatha janani | Om Mother India, the mother |
| Vanthae maatharam | Salutations to the Motherland |
| Male | |
| Yengidum velaiyil | In times of yearning and suffering |
| Kookural thaan ingu | The cry of distress alone here |
| Desiya geethamadaa | Is the national anthem, my friend |
| Chorus :Hey | Chorus: Hey |
| Male :Thinam oru kalakamum | Male: Daily a turmoil |
| Baedhamum thaan ingu | And discrimination here |
| Suthanthira paadamadaa | Is the lesson of independence, my friend |
| Chorus :Hey | Chorus: Hey |
| Male | |
| Gandhiyin kaithadi | Gandhi's walking stick |
| Aayudha santhaiyil | In the arms market |
| Pottadhu yaar | Who threw it? |
| Azhukkural osaiyai | The sound of weeping and cries of anguish |
| Medaiyin kuralgalil | In the loud speeches on stage |
| Maraithathu yaar | Who concealed it? |
| Male | |
| Suthanthiramae | Oh Independence! |
| Sodhanaiyaa vedhanaiyaa | Is it a trial or pure agony? |
| Male | |
| Yengidum velaiyil | In times of yearning and suffering |
| Kookural thaan ingu | The cry of distress alone here |
| Desiya geethamadaa | Is the national anthem, my friend |
| Thinam oru kalakamum | Daily a turmoil |
| Baedhamum thaan ingu | And discrimination here |
| Suthanthira paadamadaa | Is the lesson of independence, my friend |
| Chorus | |
| Ho hoo hoo oo | Ho hoo hoo oo |
| Male | |
| Kanneerum palar senneerum | Tears and the red blood of many |
| Viduthalai vaangiya dhesam | Is what bought freedom for this nation |
| Vambaalum vedikundaalum | Through feuds and bomb explosions |
| Aanadhu aanadhu naasam | It has turned, turned into ruin |
| Male | |
| Sathigalaal modhalgalaal | Through conspiracies and clashes |
| Nooraai sitharuvathoo | Is it shattering into a hundred pieces? |
| Kavalaigalin karuvaraiyil | In the womb of worries |
| Iniyum uranguvathoo | Will we continue to sleep forever? |
| Male | |
| Mathamenum peigalin veedhi | The street of demons called religion |
| Uyir kudikkuthu ungalin needhi | Is drinking lives, is this your justice? |
| Saththiyam pizhaithida | For truth to survive |
| Saththiya sodhanai nadakkumoo | Will an experiment with truth take place? |
| Chorus | |
| Vanthae maatharam…(4) | Vande Mataram… (4) |
| Male | |
| Yengidum velaiyil | In times of yearning and suffering |
| Kookural thaan ingu | The cry of distress alone here |
| Desiya geethamadaa | Is the national anthem, my friend |
| Thinam oru kalakamum | Daily a turmoil |
| Baedhamum thaan ingu | And discrimination here |
| Suthanthira paadamadaa | Is the lesson of independence, my friend |
| Male | |
| Gandhiyin kaithadi | Gandhi's walking stick |
| Aayudha santhaiyil | In the arms market |
| Pottadhu yaar | Who threw it? |
| Azhukkural osaiyai | The sound of weeping and cries of anguish |
| Medaiyin kuralgalil | In the loud speeches on stage |
| Maraithathu yaar | Who concealed it? |
| Male | |
| Suthanthiramae | Oh Independence! |
| Sodhanaiyaa vedhanaiyaa | Is it a trial or pure agony? |
| Male | |
| Yengidum velaiyil | In times of yearning and suffering |
| Kookural thaan ingu | The cry of distress alone here |
| Desiya geethamadaa | Is the national anthem, my friend |
| Thinam oru kalakamum | Daily a turmoil |
| Baedhamum thaan ingu | And discrimination here |
| Suthanthira paadamadaa | Is the lesson of independence, my friend |
| Chorus | |
| Ho hoo hoo oo | Ho hoo hoo oo |
| Male | |
| Therthalinaal pala katchigalaal | Through elections and many political parties |
| Thevaigal theernthidavillai | Needs have not been fulfilled |
| Tholvigalaal adhan vedhanaiyaal | Through defeats and that pain |
| Thalaivargal thirunthidavillai | Leaders have not reformed |
| Male | |
| Vendravaroo oozhalennum | The one who won, in corruption |
| Oonjalil aadugiraan | Swings happily on a swing |
| Vaakugalai pottavanoo | The one who cast his vote |
| Varumaiyil vaadugiraan | Withers away in poverty |
| Male | |
| Enndraikku innilai maarum | When will this state of affairs change? |
| Ilai udhir kaalangal odum | Autumn seasons will pass by |
| Pasi konda boomiyil | In this hungry land |
| Pasumaiyin purathchigal nadakkumoo | Will a revolution of prosperity take place? |
| Chorus | |
| Vanthae maatharam…(4) | Vande Mataram… (4) |
| Male | |
| Yengidum velaiyil | In times of yearning and suffering |
| Kookural thaan ingu | The cry of distress alone here |
| Desiya geethamadaa | Is the national anthem, my friend |
| Thinam oru kalakamum | Daily a turmoil |
| Baedhamum thaan ingu | And discrimination here |
| Suthanthira paadamadaa | Is the lesson of independence, my friend |
| Male | |
| Gandhiyin kaithadi | Gandhi's walking stick |
| Aayudha santhaiyil | In the arms market |
| Pottadhu yaar | Who threw it? |
| Azhukkural osaiyai | The sound of weeping and cries of anguish |
| Medaiyin kuralgalil | In the loud speeches on stage |
| Maraithathu yaar | Who concealed it? |
| Male | |
| Suthanthiramae | Oh Independence! |
| Sodhanaiyaa vedhanaiyaa | Is it a trial or pure agony? |
| Male | |
| Yengidum velaiyil | In times of yearning and suffering |
| Kookural thaan ingu | The cry of distress alone here |
| Desiya geethamadaa | Is the national anthem, my friend |
| Thinam oru kalakamum | Daily a turmoil |
| Baedhamum thaan ingu | And discrimination here |
| Suthanthira paadamadaa | Is the lesson of independence, my friend |
ஓம் பாரத மாதா ஜனனி
வந்தே மாதரம்
ஓம் பாரத மாதா ஜனனி
வந்தே மாதரம்
Om Mother India, the mother
Salutations to the Motherland
Om Mother India, the mother
Salutations to the Motherland
ஏங்கிடும் வேளையில்
கூக்குரல் தான்
இங்கு தேசிய கீதமடா
குழு :
ஹே
தினம் ஒரு கலகமும்
பேதமும் தான்
இங்கு சுதந்திர பாடமடா
குழு :
ஹே
In times of yearning and suffering
The cry of distress alone here
Is the national anthem, my friend
Chorus: Hey
Male: Daily a turmoil
And discrimination here
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
Chorus: Hey
காந்தியின் கைத்தடி
ஆயுத சந்தையில்
போட்டது யார்...
அழுகுரல் ஓசையை
மேடையின் குரல்களில்
மறைத்தது யார்...
Gandhi's walking stick
In the arms market
Who threw it?
The sound of weeping and cries of anguish
In the loud speeches on stage
Who concealed it?
சுதந்திரமே
சோதனையா வேதனையா....
Oh Independence!
Is it a trial or pure agony?
ஏங்கிடும் வேளையில்
கூக்குரல் தான்
இங்கு தேசிய கீதமடா
தினம் ஒரு கலகமும்
பேதமும் தான்
இங்கு சுதந்திர பாடமடா
In times of yearning and suffering
The cry of distress alone here
Is the national anthem, my friend
Daily a turmoil
And discrimination here
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
ஓ ஓஹ்ஹோ ஓ.....
Ho hoo hoo oo
கண்ணீரும் பலர் செந்நீரும்
விடுதலை வாங்கிய தேசம்
வம்பாலும் வெடிகுன்டாலும்
ஆனது ஆனது நாசம்
Tears and the red blood of many
Is what bought freedom for this nation
Through feuds and bomb explosions
It has turned, turned into ruin
சாதிகளால் மோதல்களால்
நூறாய் சிதறுவதோ
கவலைகளின் கருவறையில்
இனியும் உறங்குவதோ
Through conspiracies and clashes
Is it shattering into a hundred pieces?
In the womb of worries
Will we continue to sleep forever?
மதமெனும் பேய்களின் நீதி
உயிர் குடிக்குது உங்களின் நீதி
சத்தியம் பிழைத்திட
சத்திய சோதனை நடக்குமோ
The street of demons called religion
Is drinking lives, is this your justice?
For truth to survive
Will an experiment with truth take place?
வந்தே மாதரம் வந்தே மாதரம்
வந்தே மாதரம் வந்தே மாதரம்
Vande Mataram… (4)
ஏங்கிடும் வேளையில்
கூக்குரல் தான்
இங்கு தேசிய கீதமடா
தினம் ஒரு கலகமும்
பேதமும் தான்
இங்கு சுதந்திர பாடமடா
In times of yearning and suffering
The cry of distress alone here
Is the national anthem, my friend
Daily a turmoil
And discrimination here
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
காந்தியின் கைத்தடி
ஆயுத சந்தையில்
போட்டது யார்....
அழுகுரல் ஓசையை
மேடையின் குரல்களில்
மறைத்தது யார்....
Gandhi's walking stick
In the arms market
Who threw it?
The sound of weeping and cries of anguish
In the loud speeches on stage
Who concealed it?
சுதந்திரமே
சோதனையா வேதனையா....
Oh Independence!
Is it a trial or pure agony?
ஏங்கிடும் வேளையில்
கூக்குரல் தான்
இங்கு தேசிய கீதமடா
தினம் ஒரு கலகமும்
பேதமும் தான்
இங்கு சுதந்திர பாடமடா
In times of yearning and suffering
The cry of distress alone here
Is the national anthem, my friend
Daily a turmoil
And discrimination here
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
ஓ ஓஹ்ஹோ ஓ.....
Ho hoo hoo oo
தேர்தலினால் பல கட்சிகளால்
தேவைகள் தீர்ந்திடவில்லை
தோல்விகளால் அதன் வேதனையால்
தலைவர்கள் திருந்திடவில்லை
Through elections and many political parties
Needs have not been fulfilled
Through defeats and that pain
Leaders have not reformed
வென்றவரோ ஊழலென்னும்
ஊஞ்சலில் ஆடுகிறான்
வாக்குகளை போட்டவனோ
வறுமையில் வாடுகிறான்
The one who won, in corruption
Swings happily on a swing
The one who cast his vote
Withers away in poverty
என்றைக்கு இந்நிலை மாறும்
இலையுதிர் காலங்கள் ஓடும்
பசி கொண்ட பூமியில்
பசுமையின் புரட்சிகள் நடக்குமோ
When will this state of affairs change?
Autumn seasons will pass by
In this hungry land
Will a revolution of prosperity take place?
வந்தே மாதரம் வந்தே மாதரம்
வந்தே மாதரம் வந்தே மாதரம்
Vande Mataram… (4)
ஏங்கிடும் வேளையில்
கூக்குரல் தான்
இங்கு
தேசிய கீதமடா
தினம் ஒரு கலகமும்
பேதமும் தான்
இங்கு சுதந்திர பாடமடா
In times of yearning and suffering
The cry of distress alone here
Is the national anthem, my friend
Daily a turmoil
And discrimination here
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
காந்தியின் கைத்தடி
ஆயுத சந்தையில்
போட்டது யார்
அழுகுரல் ஓசையை
மேடையின் குரல்களில்
மறைத்தது யார்
Gandhi's walking stick
In the arms market
Who threw it?
The sound of weeping and cries of anguish
In the loud speeches on stage
Who concealed it?
சுதந்திரமே
சோதனையா வேதனையா
Oh Independence!
Is it a trial or pure agony?
ஏங்கிடும் வேளையில்
கூக்குரல் தான்
இங்கு தேசிய கீதமடா
தினம் ஒரு கலகமும்
பேதமும் தான்
இங்கு சுதந்திர பாடமடா
In times of yearning and suffering
The cry of distress alone here
Is the national anthem, my friend
Daily a turmoil
And discrimination here
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
Om bharatha maatha janani
Om Mother India, the mother
Vanthae maatharam
Salutations to the Motherland
Om bharatha maatha janani
Om Mother India, the mother
Vanthae maatharam
Salutations to the Motherland
Yengidum velaiyil
In times of yearning and suffering
Kookural thaan ingu
The cry of distress alone here
Desiya geethamadaa
Is the national anthem, my friend
Chorus :Hey
Chorus: Hey
Male :Thinam oru kalakamum
Male: Daily a turmoil
Baedhamum thaan ingu
And discrimination here
Suthanthira paadamadaa
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
Chorus :Hey
Chorus: Hey
Gandhiyin kaithadi
Gandhi's walking stick
Aayudha santhaiyil
In the arms market
Pottadhu yaar
Who threw it?
Azhukkural osaiyai
The sound of weeping and cries of anguish
Medaiyin kuralgalil
In the loud speeches on stage
Maraithathu yaar
Who concealed it?
Suthanthiramae
Oh Independence!
Sodhanaiyaa vedhanaiyaa
Is it a trial or pure agony?
Yengidum velaiyil
In times of yearning and suffering
Kookural thaan ingu
The cry of distress alone here
Desiya geethamadaa
Is the national anthem, my friend
Thinam oru kalakamum
Daily a turmoil
Baedhamum thaan ingu
And discrimination here
Suthanthira paadamadaa
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
Ho hoo hoo oo
Ho hoo hoo oo
Kanneerum palar senneerum
Tears and the red blood of many
Viduthalai vaangiya dhesam
Is what bought freedom for this nation
Vambaalum vedikundaalum
Through feuds and bomb explosions
Aanadhu aanadhu naasam
It has turned, turned into ruin
Sathigalaal modhalgalaal
Through conspiracies and clashes
Nooraai sitharuvathoo
Is it shattering into a hundred pieces?
Kavalaigalin karuvaraiyil
In the womb of worries
Iniyum uranguvathoo
Will we continue to sleep forever?
Mathamenum peigalin veedhi
The street of demons called religion
Uyir kudikkuthu ungalin needhi
Is drinking lives, is this your justice?
Saththiyam pizhaithida
For truth to survive
Saththiya sodhanai nadakkumoo
Will an experiment with truth take place?
Vanthae maatharam…(4)
Vande Mataram… (4)
Yengidum velaiyil
In times of yearning and suffering
Kookural thaan ingu
The cry of distress alone here
Desiya geethamadaa
Is the national anthem, my friend
Thinam oru kalakamum
Daily a turmoil
Baedhamum thaan ingu
And discrimination here
Suthanthira paadamadaa
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
Gandhiyin kaithadi
Gandhi's walking stick
Aayudha santhaiyil
In the arms market
Pottadhu yaar
Who threw it?
Azhukkural osaiyai
The sound of weeping and cries of anguish
Medaiyin kuralgalil
In the loud speeches on stage
Maraithathu yaar
Who concealed it?
Suthanthiramae
Oh Independence!
Sodhanaiyaa vedhanaiyaa
Is it a trial or pure agony?
Yengidum velaiyil
In times of yearning and suffering
Kookural thaan ingu
The cry of distress alone here
Desiya geethamadaa
Is the national anthem, my friend
Thinam oru kalakamum
Daily a turmoil
Baedhamum thaan ingu
And discrimination here
Suthanthira paadamadaa
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
Ho hoo hoo oo
Ho hoo hoo oo
Therthalinaal pala katchigalaal
Through elections and many political parties
Thevaigal theernthidavillai
Needs have not been fulfilled
Tholvigalaal adhan vedhanaiyaal
Through defeats and that pain
Thalaivargal thirunthidavillai
Leaders have not reformed
Vendravaroo oozhalennum
The one who won, in corruption
Oonjalil aadugiraan
Swings happily on a swing
Vaakugalai pottavanoo
The one who cast his vote
Varumaiyil vaadugiraan
Withers away in poverty
Enndraikku innilai maarum
When will this state of affairs change?
Ilai udhir kaalangal odum
Autumn seasons will pass by
Pasi konda boomiyil
In this hungry land
Pasumaiyin purathchigal nadakkumoo
Will a revolution of prosperity take place?
Vanthae maatharam…(4)
Vande Mataram… (4)
Yengidum velaiyil
In times of yearning and suffering
Kookural thaan ingu
The cry of distress alone here
Desiya geethamadaa
Is the national anthem, my friend
Thinam oru kalakamum
Daily a turmoil
Baedhamum thaan ingu
And discrimination here
Suthanthira paadamadaa
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
Gandhiyin kaithadi
Gandhi's walking stick
Aayudha santhaiyil
In the arms market
Pottadhu yaar
Who threw it?
Azhukkural osaiyai
The sound of weeping and cries of anguish
Medaiyin kuralgalil
In the loud speeches on stage
Maraithathu yaar
Who concealed it?
Suthanthiramae
Oh Independence!
Sodhanaiyaa vedhanaiyaa
Is it a trial or pure agony?
Yengidum velaiyil
In times of yearning and suffering
Kookural thaan ingu
The cry of distress alone here
Desiya geethamadaa
Is the national anthem, my friend
Thinam oru kalakamum
Daily a turmoil
Baedhamum thaan ingu
And discrimination here
Suthanthira paadamadaa
Is the lesson of independence, my friend
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
Desiya Geetham (1998) is a hard-hitting socio-political track lyricized by Arivumathi that expresses deep disillusionment with post-independence India. The song sharply contrasts the immense sacrifices made by freedom fighters—who shed blood and tears—with the modern realities of political corruption, religious communalism, inequality, and violence. It laments how Gandhian ideals of non-violence and truth have been discarded in favor of power and greed, leaving common voters suffering in poverty while corrupt politicians flourish. Through intense rhetorical questioning, the song challenges citizens and leaders alike to wake up from their moral apathy. It questions whether freedom has merely become an ongoing ordeal of agony and calls for a transformative awakening—a revolution of righteousness—to fulfill the real promises of independence for the suffering masses.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor (Uruvam)
“Gandhiyin kaithadi Aayudha santhaiyil Pottadhu yaar”
Gandhi's iconic walking stick (symbolizing ahimsa/non-violence) is metaphorically depicted as being discarded in an 'arms market' (aayudha santhai), illustrating the abandonment of peace for violence.
Juxtaposition / Irony (Muran)
“Vendravaroo oozhalennum Oonjalil aadugiraan Vaakugalai pottavanoo Varumaiyil vaadugiraan”
Contrasts the corrupt politician who wins and enjoys luxury with the common voter who casts his ballot only to wither in poverty.
Rhetorical Question (Vinaa Ani)
“Azhukkural osaiyai Medaiyin kuralgalil Maraithathu yaar”
Uses a series of pointed questions to provoke conscience regarding who hushed the cries of the poor and abandoned peace.
Assonance / Rhyme (Etukai)
“Kanneerum palar senneerum Viduthalai vaangiya dhesam”
Employs second-letter rhyming (Kanneerum / Senneerum) to enhance the poetic rhythm and emotional gravity of sacrifice.
Did you know?
Trivia
The film Desiya Geetham (1998) was directed by Cheran, known for his socially conscious cinema. With music composed by Ilaiyaraaja and vocals by K. J. Yesudas, lyricist Arivumathi crafted this song as a poignant critique of contemporary Indian politics and societal decay.
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