- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Movie name
- Aadu Pambe
- Movie release year
- 1979
- Lyrics added on
- 7 Feb 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
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.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
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