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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nanba Nanba

From Desiya Geetham · 1998

Lyricist
Vasan
Singer
Ilayaraja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Desiya Geetham1998

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Nanba nanbaFriend, O friend,
Naadu irukkumLook at the state
Nilaiyai paaradaIn which the country is today, my friend.
Desam kakka seidhaAll the sacrifices made
Thiyaagam ellaam veenadaTo protect the nation have gone to waste.
Male
Dhinam dhinam kalavaramRiots and turmoil every single day,
Idhu enna suthanthiramWhat kind of freedom is this?
Enna kadhiyaagum indha desamWhat will become of this country?
Male
Nanba nanbaFriend, O friend,
Naadu irukkumLook at the state
Nilaiyai paaradaIn which the country is today, my friend.
Desam kakka seidhaAll the sacrifices made
Thiyaagam ellaam veenadaTo protect the nation have gone to waste.
Male
Kodiyai kakkaTo protect the national flag,
Nenjil indru kaayangalThere are wounds in our hearts today.
Engae sendru irakkiWhere can we go
Veippom baarangalAnd put down these heavy burdens?
Male
Nanba nanbaFriend, O friend,
Naadu irukkumLook at the state
Nilaiyai paaradaIn which the country is today, my friend.
Desam kakka seidhaAll the sacrifices made
Thiyaagam ellaam veenadaTo protect the nation have gone to waste.
Male
Nanba nanbaFriend, O friend,
Naadu irukkumLook at the state
Nilaiyai paaradaIn which the country is today, my friend.
Desam kakka seidhaAll the sacrifices made
Thiyaagam ellaam veenadaTo protect the nation have gone to waste.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song expresses deep distress and despair regarding the socio-political state of modern India. Addressing a close friend, the speaker laments that the noble sacrifices made by freedom fighters to secure independence and protect the nation's honor appear to have been in vain due to continuous riots, violence, and instability.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Adukkuthodar (Repetition)

Nanba nanba

The words 'Nanba nanba' and 'Dhinam dhinam' are repeated consecutively to convey urgency and emotional distress.

Rhetorical Question

Idhu enna suthanthiram

Questions like 'Idhu enna suthanthiram' (What kind of freedom is this?) are used to provoke deep thought regarding true independence.

Metaphor

Veippom baarangal

The word 'baarangal' (burdens) metaphorically represents the grief and anxiety felt by citizens observing their country's turmoil.

Did you know?

Trivia

Desiya Geetham (1998) is a Tamil political drama film written and directed by Cheran, starring Murali and Rambha. The soundtrack and background score were composed by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics addressing social responsibility and governance.

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