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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naadirukkum Nilamaiyila

From Ullam Kavarntha Kalvan · 1987

Lyricist
Isaignani Ilayaraja
Singer
Jayachandran
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Ullam Kavarntha Kalvan1987

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Saa… paa… saa… aa… aa…Musical notes vocalization (Saa, Paa, Saa)
Aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa… aa…Vocalizing musical notes
Male
Naadirukkum nelamaiyilaIn the current state of the nation
Naadirukkum nelamaiyilaIn the current state of the nation
Paattu romba thaeva thaevaA song is very much needed
Sangeedhathil ennudaiyaMy service in music
Saevai ingu thaeva thaevaIs very much needed here
Paattil ulla sangadhiyaThe musical nuances contained in the song
Maanae maanae maanaeOh my dear like a gentle deer
Ketta pinbu badhila cholluAnswer me after listening
Thaenae thaenae thaenaeOh my sweet honey
Paattil ulla sangadhiyaThe musical nuances contained in the song
Maanae maanae maanaeOh my dear like a gentle deer
Ketta pinbu badhila chollu thaenaeAnswer me after listening, my sweet honey
Male
Naadirukkum nelamaiyilaIn the current state of the nation
Paattu romba thaeva thaevaA song is very much needed
Naadirukkum nelamaiyilaIn the current state of the nation
Male
Pennae guru endraalOh woman, if you are the guru
Thannaal paattu varumSong will flow naturally on its own
Sonnaal purinjidum suvai therinjidumIf explained, it will be understood and the taste will be known
Suvai valarndhu varumThe richness of taste will continue to grow
Ellaa raagathaiyumAll the ragas
Ariyum thiran irukkuI have the ability to master
Nalla jathiyilum endha sudhiyilumIn good rhythm patterns and pitch
Paadum kural irukkuI have the voice to sing
Male
Oru veeram adhai paadavaaShall I sing with valor?
Aa… aa… aa… aa…Vocalizing musical notes
Edhu karunai adhai chollavaaShall I express what compassion is?
Aa… aa… aa… aa…Vocalizing musical notes
Saani dhaapa saani dhaapa…Swara solfa notation (Sani Dapa)
Reesa needha reesa needha…Swara solfa notation (Resa Nida)
Saani dhaapa saani dhaapaSwara solfa notation (Sani Dapa)
Reesa needha reesa needhaSwara solfa notation (Resa Nida)
Saani dhaapa maaga reesaSwara solfa notation (Sani Dapa Maga Resa)
Male
Naadirukkum nelamaiyilaIn the current state of the nation
Paattu romba thaeva thaevaA song is very much needed
Sangeedhathil ennudaiyaMy service in music
Saevai ingu thaeva thaevaIs very much needed here
Paattil ulla sangadhiyaThe musical nuances contained in the song
Maanae maanae maanaeOh my dear like a gentle deer
Ketta pinbu badhila cholluAnswer me after listening
Thaenae thaenae thaenaeOh my sweet honey
Male
Thamizhil paasuramaaIs it a sacred hymn in Tamil?
Thelungil keertthanaiyaaIs it a classical composition in Telugu?
Dhinam maaridumEver-changing daily
Mel naattinarin pudhu isaiyaaIs it western foreign music?
Male
Rumbum bumbum…Rhythmic scatting sounds
Thora thora thoratho…Scatting syllables
Yaehae haehae… saagaa paadhaaScatting and swara syllables
Ellaam paadattumaaShall I sing everything?
Thalai keezh aakkattumaaShall I turn everything upside down?
Solla inithidum suvai kalaigalaiThe delightful arts that are sweet to speak of
Ingu serkkattumaaShall I bring them all together here?
Male
Indha thaervil kanmaniIn this test, my darling
Vetri enakkaa sollu neeTell me, is victory mine?
Saani dhaapa saani dhaapa…Swara solfa notation (Sani Dapa)
Reesa needha reesa needha…Swara solfa notation (Resa Nida)
Saani dhaapa saani dhaapaSwara solfa notation (Sani Dapa)
Reesa needha reesa needhaSwara solfa notation (Resa Nida)
Saani dhaapa maaga reesaSwara solfa notation (Sani Dapa Maga Resa)
Male
Naadirukkum nelamaiyilaIn the current state of the nation
Paattu romba thaeva thaevaA song is very much needed
Sangeedhathil ennudaiyaMy service in music
Saevai ingu thaeva thaevaIs very much needed here
Paattil ulla sangadhiyaThe musical nuances contained in the song
Maanae maanae maanaeOh my dear like a gentle deer
Ketta pinbu badhila cholluAnswer me after listening
Thaenae thaenae thaenaeOh my sweet honey
Paattil ulla sangadhiyaThe musical nuances contained in the song
Maanae maanae maanaeOh my dear like a gentle deer
Ketta pinbu badhila chollu thaenaeAnswer me after listening, my sweet honey

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Naadirukkum Nelamaiyila' is a lively and humorous musical monologue from the 1987 Tamil film 'Ullam Kavarntha Kalvan'. Written by Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja, the song playfully addresses how desperately society needs music as an uplifting distraction given the state of affairs. The singer showcases his versatility across genres, blending Tamil Pasurams, Telugu Kritis, Western rhythms, and intricate swara improvisations to impress his beloved teacher/critic. Throughout the track, the protagonist humorously challenges musical conventions, blending classical solfege with scatting and pop elements while seeking validation from his beloved ('Maanae' / 'Thaenae'). It reflects Ilaiyaraaja's trademark musical wit, weaving technical music mastery with casual, catchy, conversational lyricism.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

End Rhyme (Eybhu / இயைபு)

Paattu romba thaeva thaeva... Saevai ingu thaeva thaeva

Repetition of 'thaeva thaeva' at the end of lines creates a lighthearted, catchy rhythmic cadence.

Metaphor (Uvamaani / உவமை)

Maanae maanae maanae... Thaenae thaenae thaenae

Terms of endearment like 'Maanae' (deer-like lady) and 'Thaenae' (sweet honey) metaphorically address the loved one/evaluator.

Contrast / Juxtaposition (Muran / முரண்)

Thamizhil paasuramaa... Mel naattinarin pudhu isaiyaa

Juxtaposing sacred classical genres (Tamil Pasuram, Telugu Kirtana) with western pop beats (Mel naattinarin pudhu isai).

Did you know?

Trivia

Although Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja is world-renowned primarily as a composer, he wrote the lyrics for several songs himself, including this quirky comedic song from 'Ullam Kavarntha Kalvan' (1987).

Keep listening

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