Naanoru Medai Paadagan
From Naalai Namadhe · 1975
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Music director
- M. S. Vishwanathan
- Details
- Naalai Namadhe1975
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Naan oru medai paadagan | I am a stage singer |
| Naan oru medai paadagan | I am a stage singer |
| Aayinum innum maanavan | Yet, I am still a student |
| Aayinum innum maanavan | Yet, I am still a student |
| Naan kattradhu kai alavu | What I have learned is merely a handful |
| Innum ulladhu kadalalavu | What is left to learn is as vast as the ocean |
| Naan kattradhu kai alavu | What I have learned is merely a handful |
| Innum ulladhu kadalalavu | What is left to learn is as vast as the ocean |
| Naan engengu ennenna | Wherever and whatever |
| Sangeedham undendru | Music exists |
| Angangu selgindravan | To those places I travel |
| Male | |
| Naan oru medai paadagan | I am a stage singer |
| Male | |
| Is anybody interested | Is anybody interested |
| In singing with me | In singing with me |
| Male | |
| My self | Myself |
| Male | |
| Hahahaahaa… pleasure is mine | Hahahaahaa… pleasure is mine |
| Please come… | Please come… |
| One two three four | One two three four |
| Male | |
| Naan sabai yerum naal vandhadhu | The day for me to grace the stage has arrived |
| Naam sandhikkum nilai vandhadhu | The moment for us to meet has arrived |
| Naan sabai yerum naal vandhadhu | The day for me to grace the stage has arrived |
| Naam sandhikkum nilai vandhadhu | The moment for us to meet has arrived |
| En sangeedham thaai thandhadhu | My music was bestowed by my mother |
| Thaen sandhangal thamizh thandhadhu | Sweet rhythmic meters were given by Tamil |
| Male | |
| Naanum anbaana nanbargal munbaaga | In front of my loving friends |
| Innaeram panpaada vandhen | I have come at this moment to sing with culture and grace |
| Nenjil undaana ennathai | The thoughts born in my heart |
| Ullaasa vannathai paattaaga thandhen | And its joyful colors, I gave them as a song |
| Paada paada raagam varum | As one sings continuously, melody flows naturally |
| Paarkka paarkka mogam varum | As one looks continuously, fascination grows |
| Paada paada raagam varum | As one sings continuously, melody flows naturally |
| Paarkka paarkka mogam varum | As one looks continuously, fascination grows |
| Naan ellorum tharugindra | I am one who gains influence |
| Nal vaakkai thunai kondu | By taking the support of good words |
| Selvaakkai perughindravan | Bestowed by everyone |
| Male | |
| Naan oru medai paadagan | I am a stage singer |
| Male | |
| Will anybody else join with me | Will anybody else join with me |
| A lady voice better choice | A lady's voice is a better choice |
| Female | |
| Shall i | Shall I? |
| Male | |
| O… you please come | Oh… you please come |
| One two three four | One two three four |
| Female | |
| Naan arangaettram aagaadhaval | I am one who hasn't had her stage debut yet |
| Yaar munnaalum paadaadhaval | I am one who hasn't sung before anyone else |
| Naan arangaettram aagaadhaval | I am one who hasn't had her stage debut yet |
| Yaar munnaalum paadaadhaval | I am one who hasn't sung before anyone else |
| En sangeedham mazhalai mozhi | My music is like the babble of an infant |
| Naan nindraadum pavazha kodi | I am like a sway of coral vine standing tall |
| Am i correct | Am I correct? |
| Male | |
| Perfectly all right..proceed | Perfectly all right.. proceed |
| Female | |
| Paadhi kan kondu | With half-opened eyes |
| Paarkkindra poo chendu | A flower bouquet looking on |
| Pennendru mun vandhu paada | Has come forward as a woman to sing |
| Andha pakkathil nirkkindra | Standing on that side |
| Paruvathu nenjangal paarvaikkul aada | Youthful hearts dance within her gaze |
| Female | |
| Kaadhal geedham undaagalaam | A song of love might be born |
| Paadum nenjam rendaagalaam | The singing hearts might become two in union |
| Naan vaai kondu sollaamal | Without speaking through my mouth |
| Varugindra ennathai | The thoughts that arise |
| Kan kondu solgindraval oo… | I express through my eyes, oh... |
| Female | |
| Naan oru medai paadagi | I am a female stage singer |
| Chorus | |
| Laallaa laala laala laala laala laala lalallalaa | Laallaa laala laala laala laala laala lalallalaa |
| Male | |
| Paal nilavenna naer vandhadho | Has the milky moon itself descended in person? |
| Nool idai kondu neligindradho | Is a thread-like waist swaying gracefully? |
| Female | |
| Sael vizhi enna mozhigindradho | What do those fish-like eyes express? |
| Male | |
| Yaar uravendru purigindradho | Is it revealing who is related to whom? |
| Male | |
| Ingu vandondru sendondru | Coming here as one and departing as another |
| Endrendrum ondrendru kan kondu paesa | To speak forever as one through the eyes |
| Andha baashaikkum aasaikkum | For that language and desire |
| Arthangal karppikkum sirppangal koora | The sculptures that teach meanings shall tell |
| Female | |
| Kaalam naeram ponnaanadhu | Time and moment have turned to gold |
| Kaaval naeram nanjaanadhu | The guarded hours have turned treacherous like poison |
| Male | |
| Naan yaarukku yaar meedhu | I am the one who saw face-to-face |
| Naesangal undendru | Who holds affection |
| Naerukku naer kandavan haa… | For whom... haa... |
| Male | |
| Naan oru medai paadagan | I am a stage singer |
| Male | |
| Aayinum innum maanavan | Yet, I am still a student |
| Female | |
| Naan kattradhu kai alavu | What I have learned is merely a handful |
| Innum ulladhu kadalalvu | What is left to learn is as vast as the ocean |
| Male | |
| Come on folks swing and sing | Come on folks swing and sing |
| Everybody | Everybody |
| Chorus | |
| Laallala laallala laallala laallala | Laallala laallala laallala laallala |
| Laallala laallala laallala | Laallala laallala laallala |
| Chorus | |
| Laallala laallala laallala laallala | Laallala laallala laallala laallala |
| Laallala laallala laallala | Laallala laallala laallala |
| Aaa…..aa….aa….aaa…..aaa…aa… | Aaa…..aa….aa….aaa…..aaa…aa… |
| Aaa…..aa….aa….aaa…..aaa…aa… | Aaa…..aa….aa….aaa…..aaa…aa… |
| Chorus | |
| Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa | Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa |
| Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa | Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa |
| Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa | Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa |
| Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa | Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa |
மற்றும் எஸ். பி. பாலசுப்ரமணியம்
I am a stage singer
I am a stage singer
Yet, I am still a student
Yet, I am still a student
What I have learned is merely a handful
What is left to learn is as vast as the ocean
What I have learned is merely a handful
What is left to learn is as vast as the ocean
Wherever and whatever
Music exists
To those places I travel
நான் ஒரு மேடைப் பாடகன்
நான் ஒரு மேடைப் பாடகன்
ஆயினும் இன்னும் மாணவன்
ஆயினும் இன்னும் மாணவன்
நான் கற்றது கை அளவு
இன்னும் உள்ளது கடலளவு
நான் கற்றது கை அளவு
இன்னும் உள்ளது கடலளவு
நான் எங்கெங்கு என்னென்ன
சங்கீதம் உண்டென்று
அங்கங்கு செல்கின்றவன்
I am a stage singer
நான் ஒரு மேடைப் பாடகன்
Is anybody interested
In singing with me
Is anybody interested
In singing with me
Myself
My self
Hahahaahaa… pleasure is mine
Please come…
One two three four
ஹஹ்ஹஹ்ஹா........pleasure is mine
Please come…
One two three four
The day for me to grace the stage has arrived
The moment for us to meet has arrived
The day for me to grace the stage has arrived
The moment for us to meet has arrived
My music was bestowed by my mother
Sweet rhythmic meters were given by Tamil
நான் சபை ஏறும் நாள் வந்தது
நாம் சந்திக்கும் நிலை வந்தது
நான் சபை ஏறும் நாள் வந்தது
நாம் சந்திக்கும் நிலை வந்தது
என் சங்கீதம் தாய் தந்தது
தேன் சந்தங்கள் தமிழ் தந்தது
In front of my loving friends
I have come at this moment to sing with culture and grace
The thoughts born in my heart
And its joyful colors, I gave them as a song
As one sings continuously, melody flows naturally
As one looks continuously, fascination grows
As one sings continuously, melody flows naturally
As one looks continuously, fascination grows
I am one who gains influence
By taking the support of good words
Bestowed by everyone
நானும் அன்பான நண்பர்கள் முன்பாக
இந்நேரம் பண்பாட வந்தேன்
நெஞ்சில் உண்டான எண்ணத்தை
உல்லாச வண்ணத்தை பாட்டாக தந்தேன்
பாட பாட ராகம் வரும்
பார்க்க பார்க்க மோகம் வரும்
பாட பாட ராகம் வரும்
பார்க்க பார்க்க மோகம் வரும்
நான் எல்லோரும் தருகின்ற
நல்வாக்கை துணை கொண்டு
செல்வாக்கை பெறுகின்றவன்
I am a stage singer
நான் ஒரு மேடைப் பாடகன்
Will anybody else join with me
A lady's voice is a better choice
Will anybody else join with me
A lady voice better choice
Shall I?
Shall i
Oh… you please come
One two three four
O… you please come
One two three four
I am one who hasn't had her stage debut yet
I am one who hasn't sung before anyone else
I am one who hasn't had her stage debut yet
I am one who hasn't sung before anyone else
My music is like the babble of an infant
I am like a sway of coral vine standing tall
Am I correct?
நான் அரங்கேற்றம் ஆகாதவள்
யார் முன்னாலும் பாடதவள்
நான் அரங்கேற்றம் ஆகாதவள்
யார் முன்னாலும் பாடதவள்
என் சங்கீதம் மழலை மொழி
நான் நின்றாடும் பவளக்கொடி
Am i correct
Perfectly all right.. proceed
Perfectly all right..proceed
With half-opened eyes
A flower bouquet looking on
Has come forward as a woman to sing
Standing on that side
Youthful hearts dance within her gaze
பாதி கண்கொண்டு
பார்க்கின்ற பூச்செண்டு
பெண்ணென்று முன்வந்து பாட
அந்த பக்கத்தில் நிற்கின்ற
பருவத்து நெஞ்சங்கள் பார்வைக்குள் ஆட
A song of love might be born
The singing hearts might become two in union
Without speaking through my mouth
The thoughts that arise
I express through my eyes, oh...
காதல் கீதம் உண்டாகலாம்
பாடும் நெஞ்சம் ரெண்டாகலாம்
நான் வாய் கொண்டு சொல்லாமல்
வருகின்ற எண்ணத்தை
கண்கொண்டு சொல்கின்றவள் ஓ.....
I am a female stage singer
நான் ஒரு மேடைப் பாடகி
Laallaa laala laala laala laala laala lalallalaa
லால்லா லால லால லால
லால லால லாலாலலா
Has the milky moon itself descended in person?
Is a thread-like waist swaying gracefully?
பால் நிலவென்ன நேர் வந்ததோ
நூல் இடை கொண்டு நெளிகின்றதோ
What do those fish-like eyes express?
தேன் விழி என்ன மொழிகின்றதோ
Is it revealing who is related to whom?
யார் உறவென்று புரிகின்றதோ
Coming here as one and departing as another
To speak forever as one through the eyes
For that language and desire
The sculptures that teach meanings shall tell
இங்கு வண்டொன்று செண்டோன்று
என்றென்றும் ஒன்றொன்று கண் கொண்டு பேச
அந்த பாஷைக்கும் ஆசைக்கும்
அர்த்தங்கள் கற்பிக்கும் சிற்பங்கள் கூற
Time and moment have turned to gold
The guarded hours have turned treacherous like poison
காலம் நேரம் பொன்னானது
காதல் நேரம் நெஞ்சானது
I am the one who saw face-to-face
Who holds affection
For whom... haa...
நான் யாருக்கு யார் மீது
நேசங்கள் உண்டென்று
நேருக்கு நேர் கண்டவன் ஹா......
I am a stage singer
நான் ஒரு மேடைப் பாடகன்
Yet, I am still a student
ஆயினும் இன்னும் மாணவன்
What I have learned is merely a handful
What is left to learn is as vast as the ocean
நான் கற்றது கை அளவு
இன்னும் உள்ளது கடலளவு
Come on folks swing and sing
Everybody
இங்கு நாம்மாட நம்மோடு நண்பர்கள்
எல்லோரும் அங்கங்கு ஆடட்டுமே
Laallala laallala laallala laallala
Laallala laallala laallala
Come on folks swing and sing
Everybody
Laallala laallala laallala laallala
Laallala laallala laallala
Aaa…..aa….aa….aaa…..aaa…aa…
Aaa…..aa….aa….aaa…..aaa…aa…
லாலலாலா லாலலாலா லாலலால லாலலால
லால்லல லால்ல்லா லால்ல்லா
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
............................
..............................
Naan oru medai paadagan
I am a stage singer
Naan oru medai paadagan
I am a stage singer
Aayinum innum maanavan
Yet, I am still a student
Aayinum innum maanavan
Yet, I am still a student
Naan kattradhu kai alavu
What I have learned is merely a handful
Innum ulladhu kadalalavu
What is left to learn is as vast as the ocean
Naan kattradhu kai alavu
What I have learned is merely a handful
Innum ulladhu kadalalavu
What is left to learn is as vast as the ocean
Naan engengu ennenna
Wherever and whatever
Sangeedham undendru
Music exists
Angangu selgindravan
To those places I travel
Naan oru medai paadagan
I am a stage singer
Is anybody interested
Is anybody interested
In singing with me
In singing with me
My self
Myself
Hahahaahaa… pleasure is mine
Hahahaahaa… pleasure is mine
Please come…
Please come…
One two three four
One two three four
Naan sabai yerum naal vandhadhu
The day for me to grace the stage has arrived
Naam sandhikkum nilai vandhadhu
The moment for us to meet has arrived
Naan sabai yerum naal vandhadhu
The day for me to grace the stage has arrived
Naam sandhikkum nilai vandhadhu
The moment for us to meet has arrived
En sangeedham thaai thandhadhu
My music was bestowed by my mother
Thaen sandhangal thamizh thandhadhu
Sweet rhythmic meters were given by Tamil
Naanum anbaana nanbargal munbaaga
In front of my loving friends
Innaeram panpaada vandhen
I have come at this moment to sing with culture and grace
Nenjil undaana ennathai
The thoughts born in my heart
Ullaasa vannathai paattaaga thandhen
And its joyful colors, I gave them as a song
Paada paada raagam varum
As one sings continuously, melody flows naturally
Paarkka paarkka mogam varum
As one looks continuously, fascination grows
Paada paada raagam varum
As one sings continuously, melody flows naturally
Paarkka paarkka mogam varum
As one looks continuously, fascination grows
Naan ellorum tharugindra
I am one who gains influence
Nal vaakkai thunai kondu
By taking the support of good words
Selvaakkai perughindravan
Bestowed by everyone
Naan oru medai paadagan
I am a stage singer
Will anybody else join with me
Will anybody else join with me
A lady voice better choice
A lady's voice is a better choice
Shall i
Shall I?
O… you please come
Oh… you please come
One two three four
One two three four
Naan arangaettram aagaadhaval
I am one who hasn't had her stage debut yet
Yaar munnaalum paadaadhaval
I am one who hasn't sung before anyone else
Naan arangaettram aagaadhaval
I am one who hasn't had her stage debut yet
Yaar munnaalum paadaadhaval
I am one who hasn't sung before anyone else
En sangeedham mazhalai mozhi
My music is like the babble of an infant
Naan nindraadum pavazha kodi
I am like a sway of coral vine standing tall
Am i correct
Am I correct?
Perfectly all right..proceed
Perfectly all right.. proceed
Paadhi kan kondu
With half-opened eyes
Paarkkindra poo chendu
A flower bouquet looking on
Pennendru mun vandhu paada
Has come forward as a woman to sing
Andha pakkathil nirkkindra
Standing on that side
Paruvathu nenjangal paarvaikkul aada
Youthful hearts dance within her gaze
Kaadhal geedham undaagalaam
A song of love might be born
Paadum nenjam rendaagalaam
The singing hearts might become two in union
Naan vaai kondu sollaamal
Without speaking through my mouth
Varugindra ennathai
The thoughts that arise
Kan kondu solgindraval oo…
I express through my eyes, oh...
Naan oru medai paadagi
I am a female stage singer
Laallaa laala laala laala laala laala lalallalaa
Laallaa laala laala laala laala laala lalallalaa
Paal nilavenna naer vandhadho
Has the milky moon itself descended in person?
Nool idai kondu neligindradho
Is a thread-like waist swaying gracefully?
Sael vizhi enna mozhigindradho
What do those fish-like eyes express?
Yaar uravendru purigindradho
Is it revealing who is related to whom?
Ingu vandondru sendondru
Coming here as one and departing as another
Endrendrum ondrendru kan kondu paesa
To speak forever as one through the eyes
Andha baashaikkum aasaikkum
For that language and desire
Arthangal karppikkum sirppangal koora
The sculptures that teach meanings shall tell
Kaalam naeram ponnaanadhu
Time and moment have turned to gold
Kaaval naeram nanjaanadhu
The guarded hours have turned treacherous like poison
Naan yaarukku yaar meedhu
I am the one who saw face-to-face
Naesangal undendru
Who holds affection
Naerukku naer kandavan haa…
For whom... haa...
Naan oru medai paadagan
I am a stage singer
Aayinum innum maanavan
Yet, I am still a student
Naan kattradhu kai alavu
What I have learned is merely a handful
Innum ulladhu kadalalvu
What is left to learn is as vast as the ocean
Come on folks swing and sing
Come on folks swing and sing
Everybody
Everybody
Laallala laallala laallala laallala
Laallala laallala laallala laallala
Laallala laallala laallala
Laallala laallala laallala
Laallala laallala laallala laallala
Laallala laallala laallala laallala
Laallala laallala laallala
Laallala laallala laallala
Aaa…..aa….aa….aaa…..aaa…aa…
Aaa…..aa….aa….aaa…..aaa…aa…
Aaa…..aa….aa….aaa…..aaa…aa…
Aaa…..aa….aa….aaa…..aaa…aa…
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Laalla laallaala laalaa laalla laallaala laalaa
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This classic upbeat duet portrays a humble, passionate performer expressing his devotion to the art of music. Acknowledging that learning is an infinite ocean ('Kattradhu kai alavu, innum ulladhu kadalalavu'), he invites enthusiastic audience members to join him on stage. A female singer steps up, initially hesitant about her unpolished singing talent, but encouraged by the master performer, they engage in a poetic musical dialogue celebrating rhythm, love, and emotional connection through subtle glances and song.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Aphorism / Cultural Allusion
“Naan kattradhu kai alavu / Innum ulladhu kadalalavu”
Refers directly to the famous Avvaiyar proverb 'Kattradhu kai alavu, kalladhu ulagalavu' (What is learned is a handful, what is unlearned is the world/ocean).
Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyming)
“Paada paada raagam varum / Paarkka paarkka mogam varum”
The second consonant sound 'da' matches across consecutive lines (Paada / Paarkka), giving a rhythmic cadence.
Metaphor (Uruvagaimai)
“En sangeedham mazhalai mozhi / Naan nindraadum pavazha kodi”
Compares an untrained voice to 'mazhalai mozhi' (baby babble) and a graceful dancer to a 'pavazha kodi' (coral vine).
Anaphora / Repetition (Adukkuthodar)
“Paada paada raagam varum”
Repetition of words like 'Paada paada' and 'Paarkka paarkka' to emphasize continuous action leading to mastery or passion.
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Trivia
'Naan Oru Medai Paadagan' is from the 1975 MGR blockbuster 'Naalai Namadhe', composed by M. S. Viswanathan with lyrics by Vaali. The song features iconic spoken English interludes characteristic of 1970s Tamil stage performance songs, sung by T. M. Soundararajan and S. Janaki.
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