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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Kandom Sodhanthiram

From August 16 1947 · 2023

Lyricist
Parvathy Meera
Singer
Sean Roldan
Music director
Sean Roldan
Details
August 16 19472023

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Oo kandom suthandhiramOh, we have gained freedom
Male
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Idhu thaan ketta oru varamThis is the boon we asked for
Male
Kaal pidichi kidantha sanamThe people who were lying at others' feet
Paal sirippa izhandha enamThe community that lost its pure, innocent smile
Thol usathi thala nimithiWith shoulders raised and heads held high
Vidiyala thaan pakkudhaiyaaIs now witnessing the new dawn, oh friend
Male
Achamennum pei pidichiPossessed by the ghost named fear
Adimaiya vazhndhom makkaWe lived as slaves, my people
Sondha mannil kaal padichiPlacing our feet firmly on our own soil
Vakkanaiya ninnom makkaWe now stand with dignity, my people
Male
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Idhu thaan ketta oru varamThis is the boon we asked for
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Pudhusa vaazha porakkuromWe are born anew to live
Male
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Idhu thaan ketta oru varamThis is the boon we asked for
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Pudhusa vaazha porakkuromWe are born anew to live
Male
Ratham sindhi ninanja mannuThe land soaked in shed blood
Sirippula sivandhirukkuHas now turned red with joyous laughter
Kallichedi kooda ippamEven the thorny cactus plant now
Malli chedi poothirukkuHas bloomed like a jasmine bush
Male
Etta irukkum vaanam muttaReaching up to touch the distant sky
Thala usandhu nikkenaeI stand with my head held high
Katti potta kaal vilanguThe shackles that bound our feet
Sukku noora sidharudhaeAre shattering into tiny pieces
Urchaagam uchi vara paayudhaeExcitement surges up to the crown of my head
Sandhosam kannu kulamakkudhaeHappiness fills my eyes like a pond
Male
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Idhu thaan ketta oru varamThis is the boon we asked for
Male
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Pudhusa vaazha porakkuromWe are born anew to live
Male
Kaal pidichi kidantha sanamThe people who were lying at others' feet
Paal sirippa izhandha manamThe hearts that lost their innocent smiles
Thol usathi thala nimithiWith shoulders raised and heads held high
Vidiyala thaan pakkudhaiyaaIs now witnessing the new dawn, oh friend
Male
Achamennum pei pidichiPossessed by the ghost named fear
Adimaiya vazhndhom mallaWe lived as slaves in defeat
Sondha mannil kaal padichiPlacing our feet firmly on our own soil
Vakkanaiya ninnom makkaWe now stand with dignity, my people
Male
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Male
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Male
O Kandom suthandhiramOh, we have gained freedom
Male
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Idhu thaan ketta oru varamThis is the boon we asked for
Idhu thaan ketta oru varamThis is the boon we asked for
Male
Kandom suthandhiramWe have gained freedom
Idhu thaan ketta oru varamThis is the boon we asked for

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Kandom Suthandhiram' from the movie 'August 16 1947' is a triumphant celebration of gaining freedom from British colonial oppression. It captures the raw emotions, relief, and euphoric joy of villagers who had been enslaved and terrorized for generations, finally getting to experience liberty. The lyrics highlight the dramatic shift from living in constant fear and humiliation to standing proud on their own land with self-respect and dignity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Achamennum pei pidichi

Fear is metaphorically described as a ghost ('Achamennum pei') that possessed the people during the era of slavery.

Contrast (Muran)

Kallichedi kooda ippam / Malli chedi poothirukku

The lyrics contrast 'Kallichedi' (cactus/thorny plant symbolizing hardships) blooming into 'Malli chedi' (jasmine bush symbolizing beauty and freedom).

Repetition (Anaphora)

Kandom suthandhiram

The phrase 'Kandom suthandhiram' is repeatedly chanted to emphasize the overwhelming joy and realization of attaining independence.

Hyperbole (Uyarvu Navortchi)

Sandhosam kannu kulamakkudhae

Happiness filling the eyes like a pond ('Sandhosam kannu kulamakkudhae') exaggerates the profound emotional release of tearful joy.

Did you know?

Trivia

The movie 'August 16 1947' depicts a fictional remote village in Tamil Nadu where villagers do not realize India has attained independence on August 15 due to isolation and ruthless British rule. The song captures the moment when the villagers finally break free and celebrate their liberation.

Keep listening

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