- Lyricist
- A. Maruthakasi
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- K. V. Mahadevan
- Movie name
- Neeya Naana – 1962 Film
- Movie release year
- 1962
- Lyrics added on
- 31 Jul 2023
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Naanoru Naadodi' is a philosophical narration sung from the perspective of a wandering traveler who observes the raw realities of human society. The lyrics reflect on how people's appearances rarely match their true nature, how formal education does not equal wisdom, and how deceit often brings success while honesty goes unrewarded. Through these observations, the narrator expresses a detached, impartial worldview, viewing all humans equally without bias, enmity, or kinship.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Antithesis (Muran)
“Padikaadha arivaalar silarai kanden / Metha padithum muttaalaga palarai kanden”
Contrasting uneducated wise men with educated fools to highlight the difference between real wisdom and formal schooling.
Iyaiybu (End Rhyme)
“Naanoru naadodi naadodi / Unga nalla gunam kettu vandhenae ododi”
Matching end sounds with 'naadodi' and 'ododi' to create rhythmic melodic flow.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Paarkaadha oorillai palagadha aalillai”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds in 'Paarkaadha' and 'palagadha'.
Metaphor
“Ettadha pazhathukku kottavi vittaalum”
Using the 'unreachable fruit' as a metaphor for unattainable desires or forced affections.
Did you know?
Trivia
Written by legendary lyricist A. Maruthakasi and set to music by 'Thirai Isai Thilagam' K. V. Mahadevan, this song exemplifies the classic philosophical wanderer trope in mid-20th-century Tamil cinema, rendered powerfully by T. M. Soundararajan.
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