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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nalla Vaazhu Kaanalaame

From Sabaash Meena · 1958

Lyricist
Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam
Singer
Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi
Music director
T. G. Lingappa
Details
Sabaash Meena1958

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we see a good life
Naattil nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we see a good life in the country
Naamae nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we ourselves see a good life
Chorus
Nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we see a good life
Naattil nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we see a good life in the country
Naamae nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we ourselves see a good life
Female
Kalviyinaal ullathilaeThrough education, in the heart
Kalangamellaam theerum… aa… aa… aaa…aaa…All impurities will vanish... aa... aa... aaa...aaa...
Kalviyinaal ullathilaeThrough education, in the heart
Kalangamellaam theerumAll impurities will vanish
Chorus
Nam kalangamellaam theerumAll our impurities will vanish
Female
Kazhuvi mezhugum illathilaeIn a house that is washed and cleaned
Azhaghum valamum serum andhaBeauty and prosperity will enter, and in that
Chorus
Nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we see a good life
Naattil nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we see a good life in the country
Naamae nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we ourselves see a good life
Female
Kudisai endraalum dhinamaeEven if it is just a simple hut, every day
Kootti perukki eduppom…We will sweep and clean it up...
Female
Kudisai endraalum dhinamaeEven if it is just a simple hut, every day
Kootti perukki eduppomWe will sweep and clean it up
Female
Koozh irundhaalumEven if we only have porridge to eat
Udal kulitha pinnae kudippomWe will drink it after bathing our body
Female
Kandhai endraalum adhaiEven if our clothes are mere rags
Kasakki thoithu uduppomWe will wash, scrub, and wear them clean
Kandhai endraalum adhaiEven if our clothes are mere rags
Kasakki thoithu uduppomWe will wash, scrub, and wear them clean
Sondha vaazhvu sari seidhaalIf we set our personal life right
Sorga vaazhvu serum andhaA heavenly life will follow us, and with that
Female
Naattu makkal ottrumaiyin kootturavodumWith the spirit of unity and cooperation among citizens
Female
Nanjai payir seivdhanaal panjamum odumBy cultivating the fertile fields, famine will flee away
Female
Paadu pattaalae…If we work hard...
Female
Paadu pattaalae namadhuIf we work hard, our
Naadu munnaerumCountry will progress
Chorus
Paadu pattaalae namadhuIf we work hard, our
Naadu munnaerumCountry will progress
Female
Vaazhvil maedu pallam sariyaanaalIf the ups and downs of life become balanced
Vaadum nenjam yaedhu andhaWhich heart would ever suffer? In that
Chorus
Nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we see a good life
Naattil nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we see a good life in the country
Naamae nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamaeCan we ourselves see a good life
Nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamae…Can we see a good life...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This uplifting philosophical song from 'Sabaash Meena' advocates civic consciousness, personal discipline, and social equality as the pathway to building a prosperous nation. Lyricist Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam emphasizes that true progress begins at home through hygiene, education, self-respect, and hard work. By invoking classic Tamil moral values—such as maintaining personal cleanliness regardless of wealth and working cooperatively in agriculture—the song serves as a motivational anthem for post-independence India.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Proverbial Adaptation (பழமொழி பாவனை)

Koozh irundhaalum Udal kulitha pinnae kudippom / Kandhai endraalum adhai Kasakki thoithu uduppom

Incorporates the famous Tamil folk wisdom 'Koozhaanaalum kulithu kudi, kandhaiyaanaalum kasakki kattu' (Drink porridge only after bathing, wear rags only after washing).

Monaai (Initial Alliteration)

Nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamae / Naattil nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamae / Naamae nalla vaazhvu kaanalaamae

Repetition of the initial sound 'Na' across lines to build rhythm.

Metaphor (உருவகம்)

Vaazhvil maedu pallam sariyaanaal

'Maedu pallam' (mounds and depressions) is used as a metaphor for social inequalities and economic disparities.

Did you know?

Trivia

Sabaash Meena (1958) was directed by B. R. Panthulu and featured music composed by T. G. Lingappa. The lyrics directly reference reformist ideals popularized during the Dravidian movement and post-independence development era, stressing social equality and rural agriculture.

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