Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naadu Naadu Idhu

From Baghdad Perazhagi · 1973

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
S. Janaki
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Baghdad Perazhagi1973

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Naadu naadu idhu nam naaduSeek the country, seek it, this is our nation
Endrum naadu naadu adhan nalam naaduAlways seek the nation, seek its well-being
Paadu paadu adhan pugazh paadu endruSing, sing, sing its glory
Paadi aada vantha indru engengum paravasamToday, coming to sing and dance, there is ecstasy everywhere
Female
Naadu naadu idhu nam naadu….Seek the country, seek it, this is our nation...
Female
Yaavarkkum needhi ondruthaanaena solvomWe shall declare that justice is one and the same for everyone
Yaaridaththum pedhamindri vaazhnthida seivomWe shall ensure everyone lives without any discrimination
Yaar koduththum yaar edukka thevaiyumillaiThere is no need for anyone to give or anyone to take away
Illai ennum naalirukka povathumillaiA day of poverty or lack will never come to exist
Female
Paadupatta yaezhai makkal vaazhnthirukkattumLet the hardworking poor people prosper and live well
Paathaiyengum meadu pallam seerthiruththattumLet all inequalities and ups and downs along the path be reformed
Kaadu vetti kai valika yaar uzhaiththathuWho labored clearing forests until their hands ached?
Thaedi vaiththa kodi selvam yaar koduththathuWho bestowed the accumulated wealth worth millions?
Female
Paadu paadu adhan pugazh paadu endruSing, sing, sing its glory
Paadi aada vantha indru engengum paravasam….Today, coming to sing and dance, there is ecstasy everywhere...
Female
Ennaalum inba thirunaal idhaya oonjalilaeEvery day is a joyful festive day on the heart's swing
Sugangal palavum valarnthu nirainthuAs many pleasures grow and overflow
Asainthu aadi vara naan anbendru paadi varaSwinging back and forth as I come singing of love
Paadu paadu adhan pugazh paadu endruSing, sing, sing its glory
Paadi aada vantha indru engengum paravasam….Today, coming to sing and dance, there is ecstasy everywhere...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song is an uplifting, socialist-leaning anthem that celebrates national pride, equality, and the dignity of labor. It envisions an ideal society where justice is universally served without discrimination, poverty is eradicated, and socio-economic divides are leveled. The lyrics call upon people to honor the hard work of laborers who built the nation and to rejoice in unity, love, and shared prosperity.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukku Thodar / Epizeuxis

Naadu naadu idhu nam naadu

Immediate repetition of words like 'Naadu naadu' and 'Paadu paadu' to add rhythmic emphasis and call to action.

Etukai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Kaadu vetti kai valika yaar uzhaiththathu / Thaedi vaiththa kodi selvam yaar koduththathu

Matching of the second consonant 'd' (ட) sound across lines ('Kaadu' and 'Thaedi').

Metaphor (Uruvagaim)

Ennaalum inba thirunaal idhaya oonjalilae

'Idhaya oonjalilae' compares the joy in one's heart to swinging on a festive swing.

Rhetorical Questioning

Kaadu vetti kai valika yaar uzhaiththathu

Using questions ('yaar uzhaiththathu', 'yaar koduththathu') to highlight the unacknowledged toil of the working class.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by poet Pulamaipithan for the 1973 movie Baghdad Perazhagi (starring Ravichandran and Jayalalithaa), the lyrics reflect strong Dravidian and socialist ideals popular in 1970s Tamil film music. Set to music by M. S. Viswanathan and sung by S. Janaki, the track blends a dance rhythm with egalitarian messaging.

Keep listening

More from Baghdad Perazhagi