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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Naan Ethanukku Ethanada

From Aadu Pambe · 1979

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Aadu Pambe1979

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Naan ethanukku ethanadaa sithanukku sithanadaaI am a trickster to a trickster, and a sage to a sage!
Ellaam therinjavandaaI am the one who knows everything!
Naan ethanukku ethanadaa sithanukku sithanadaaI am a trickster to a trickster, and a sage to a sage!
Ellaam therinjavandaaI am the one who knows everything!
Nalla bakthanukku bakthanadaa makkal enthan pakkamadaaI am a devotee to a good devotee, and the people are on my side!
Naalum purinjavandaaI am the one who understands all four Vedas!
Nalla bakthanukku bakthanadaa makkal enthan pakkamadaaI am a devotee to a good devotee, and the people are on my side!
Naalum purinjavandaaI am the one who understands all four Vedas!
Male
Oorukkethu neethiyendru solli kuduppenI will teach what true justice is for this town!
Neethikkoru kedu vanthaal killi eduppenIf any harm comes to justice, I will root it out!
Oorukkethu neethiyendru solli kuduppenI will teach what true justice is for this town!
Neethikkoru kedu vanthaal killi eduppenIf any harm comes to justice, I will root it out!
Male
Naan ethanukku ethanadaa sithanukku sithanadaaI am a trickster to a trickster, and a sage to a sage!
Ellaam therinjavandaaI am the one who knows everything!
Male
Karaiyaangal thaan vaazha siru veedu katti vaikkaTermites construct a small mound to live in,
Vanthangu kudiyerum visha naagangalAnd venomous snakes come and reside inside it!
Karaiyaangal thaan vaazha siru veedu katti vaikkaTermites construct a small mound to live in,
Vanthangu kudiyerum visha naagangalAnd venomous snakes come and reside inside it!
Thirukoyil uruvaakki eliyorgal vaithirukkaWhen poor people construct a holy temple,
Poligal varalaamo bathil koorungalCan frauds enter it? Give me an answer!
Thirukoyil uruvaakki eliyorgal vaithirukkaWhen poor people construct a holy temple,
Poligal varalaamo bathil koorungalCan frauds enter it? Give me an answer!
Male
Naan ethanukku ethanadaa sithanukku sithanadaaI am a trickster to a trickster, and a sage to a sage!
Ellaam therinjavandaaI am the one who knows everything!
Male
Uthikkindra kathir thannai maraikindra megangaleO clouds that hide the rays of the rising sun,
Suriyan thannoda vilaiyadatheDo not play games with the sun itself!
Uthikkindra kathir thannai maraikindra megangaleO clouds that hide the rays of the rising sun,
Suriyan thannoda vilaiyadatheDo not play games with the sun itself!
Ethirkaalam enkindra poongaatru veesuthadaaThe pleasant breeze called the future is blowing,
Nermaikku inimelum thirai podaaneDo not place a veil over honesty anymore!
Ethirkaalam enkindra poongaatru veesuthadaaThe pleasant breeze called the future is blowing,
Nermaikku inimelum thirai podaaneDo not place a veil over honesty anymore!
Male
Naan ethanukku ethanadaa sithanukku sithanadaaI am a trickster to a trickster, and a sage to a sage!
Ellaam therinjavandaaI am the one who knows everything!
Nalla bakthanukku bakthanadaa makkal enthan pakkamadaaI am a devotee to a good devotee, and the people are on my side!
Naalum purinjavandaaI am the one who understands all four Vedas!
Male
Oorukkethu neethiyendru solli kuduppenI will teach what true justice is for this town!
Neethikkoru kedu vanthaal killi eduppenIf any harm comes to justice, I will root it out!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Naan Ethanukku Ethanadaa from the 1979 movie Aadu Pambe is a energetic and philosophical hero-introduction song composed by M. S. Vishwanathan, written by Kannadasan, and sung by T. M. Soundararajan. The protagonist declares his adaptable nature: he is cunning to the deceitful, righteous to the pious, and a steadfast protector of the common people. He asserts that the public stands with him because he possesses both wisdom and courage. Through vivid metaphors, the song attacks social parasites—comparing hypocrites and oppressors to venomous snakes taking over anthills built by termites, or dark clouds temporarily obscuring the powerful sun. The lyrics deliver a stern warning to corrupt elements, declaring that honesty will triumph as the wind of the future blows away all deception.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Antithesis (Muran)

Naan ethanukku ethanadaa sithanukku sithanadaa

Contrasts opposing characteristics: being a trickster (ethan) to rogues versus a saint (sithan) to saints, highlighting the protagonist's adaptive nature.

Metaphor (Uruvagamm)

Karaiyaangal thaan vaazha siru veedu katti vaikka / Vanthangu kudiyerum visha naagangal

Compares social oppressors/exploiters to venomous snakes (visha naagangal) occupying ant-hills painstakingly built by termites (karaiyaangal).

Allegory / Metaphor

Uthikkindra kathir thannai maraikindra megangale / Suriyan thannoda vilaiyadathe

Compares truth/heroism to the rising sun (suriyan) and temporary obstacles/deceitful foes to obscuring clouds (megangale).

Second-Letter Rhyme (Etukai)

Naan ethanukku ethanadaa sithanukku sithanadaa

The second letters of 'ethanukku' (tha) and 'sithanukku' (tha) rhyme within the same line.

Did you know?

Trivia

The movie title 'Aadu Pambe' (Dance, O Snake!) and the theme of the song borrow imagery from traditional Siddhar spiritual poetry—specifically Pambatti Siddhar, who used snake-charming metaphors to preach moral and philosophical truths. Lyricist Kannadasan adapted this Siddhar tradition into a modern socio-political hero anthem for actor Jaishankar.

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