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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Ithu Nattai Kaakkum Kai

From Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga · 1977

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga1977

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Idhu naattai kaakkum kaiThis is the hand that protects the country
Un veettai kaakkum kaiThis is the hand that protects your home
Idhu naattai kaakkum kaiThis is the hand that protects the country
Un veettai kaakkum kaiThis is the hand that protects your home
Indha kai naattin nambikkaiThis hand is the nation's hope
Indha kai naattin nambikkaiThis hand is the nation's hope
Idhu edhirkaala thaayagathin vaazhkkaiThis is the life of the future motherland
Idhu edhirkaala thaayagatthin vaazhkkaiThis is the life of the future motherland
Male
Anbu kai idhu aakkum kaiA loving hand, this is a hand that creates
Idhu azhikkum kaiyallaThis is not a hand that destroys
Chinna kai yaer thookkum kaiA humble hand that lifts the plow
Idhu thirudum kaiyallaThis is not a hand that steals
Anbu kai idhu aakkum kaiA loving hand, this is a hand that creates
Idhu azhikkum kaiyallaThis is not a hand that destroys
Chinna kai yaer thookkum kaiA humble hand that lifts the plow
Idhu thirudum kaiyallaThis is not a hand that steals
Naermai kaakkum kaiA hand that upholds honesty
Nalla nenjai vaazhthum kaiA hand that blesses good hearts
Idhu oozhal neekkumThis will eradicate corruption
Thaazhvai pokkumEliminate poverty and oppression
Seer migundha kaiA hand rich in noble virtues
Male
Idhu naattai kaakkum kaiThis is the hand that protects the country
Un veettai kaakkum kaiThis is the hand that protects your home
Indha kai naattin nambikkaiThis hand is the nation's hope
Indha kai naattin nambikkaiThis hand is the nation's hope
Idhu edhirkaala thaayagathin vaazhkkaiThis is the life of the future motherland
Male
Vettri kai padai veezhthum kaiA victorious hand that defeats enemy armies
Idhu thalarum kaiyallaThis is not a hand that tires or falters
Sutha kai pugazh naattum kaiA clean hand that establishes fame
Idhu surandum kaiyallaThis is not a hand that exploits
Male
Vettri kai padai veezhthum kaiA victorious hand that defeats enemy armies
Idhu thalarum kaiyallaThis is not a hand that tires or falters
Sutha kai pugazh naattum kaiA clean hand that establishes fame
Idhu surandum kaiyallaThis is not a hand that exploits
Eegai kaattum kaiA hand that demonstrates generosity
Makkal saevai aattrum kaiA hand that serves the public
Mul kaattai saaithu thottam pottuClearing thorny forests to cultivate gardens
Peredukkum kaiA hand that achieves great renown
Male
Idhu naattai kaakkum kaiThis is the hand that protects the country
Un veettai kaakkum kaiThis is the hand that protects your home
Indha kai naattin nambikkaiThis hand is the nation's hope
Indha kai naattin nambikkaiThis hand is the nation's hope
Idhu edhirkaala thaayagathin vaazhkkaiThis is the life of the future motherland
Male
Unmai kai kavi theettum kaiA truthful hand that composes poetry
Karai padindha kaiyallaNot a hand stained with wrongdoing
Pengal tham kulam kaakkum kaiA hand that safeguards womankind
Idhu kedukkum kaiyallaThis is not a hand that harms
Male
Unmai kai kavi theettum kaiA truthful hand that composes poetry
Karai padindha kaiyallaNot a hand stained with wrongdoing
Pengal tham kulam kaakkum kaiA hand that safeguards womankind
Idhu kedukkum kaiyallaThis is not a hand that harms
Male
Maanam kaakkum kaiA hand that protects honor
Anna dhaanam seiyum kaiA hand that feeds the hungry
Sama needhi onga baedham neengaTo uphold equal justice and erase disparities
Aala vandha kaiA hand destined to rule
Male
Idhu naattai kaakkum kaiThis is the hand that protects the country
Un veettai kaakkum kaiThis is the hand that protects your home
Indha kai naattin nambikkaiThis hand is the nation's hope
Indha kai naattin nambikkaiThis hand is the nation's hope
Idhu edhirkaala thaayagathin vaazhkkaiThis is the life of the future motherland
Idhu edhirkaala thaayagathin vaazhkkaiThis is the life of the future motherland

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Idhu Naattai Kaakkum Kai' is a high-spirited, politically charged anthem from the 1977 Tamil film 'Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga'. Written by lyricist Muthulingam and picturized on M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), the song uses the powerful symbolism of 'the hand' (kai) to define leadership, work ethic, and social duty. Each stanza contrasts noble deeds (cultivating land, defeating evil, feeding the poor, protecting women) against negative traits (stealing, corrupting, exploiting), positioning the protagonist's hand as the ultimate symbol of hope and governance for the country.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Idhu naattai kaakkum kai / Un veettai kaakkum kai

Frequent ending of lines with the word 'kai' creates a rhythmic beat and reinforces the central motif of 'the hand'.

Antithesis (Contrast)

Anbu kai idhu aakkum kai / Idhu azhikkum kaiyalla

Directly contrasts positive qualities with negative traits to emphasize moral integrity.

Metaphor

Indha kai naattin nambikkai

'Kai' (hand) acts as a extended metaphor representing political leadership, agricultural labor, benevolence, and justice.

Did you know?

Trivia

This song held immense political significance during MGR's rise to power in Tamil Nadu state politics in 1977. The lyricist Muthulingam masterfully crafted lines that resonated with both working-class voters and fans of MGR.

Keep listening

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