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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Neermel Nadakkalam

From Kaanchi Thalaivan · 1963

Lyricist
M. Karunanidhi
Singers
A. L. Raghavan, L. R. Eswari
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Details
Kaanchi Thalaivan1963

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Neer mel nadakkalaam naamWe can walk on water,
Chorus
Hou… houHou… hou
Male
AppaaOh goodness!
Chorus
Kurrr…Kurrr…
Male
Podhum paa podhumEnough, man, enough!
Male
Nilai thadumaarinaalIf balance is lost,
Ninaithadhai pesalaamWe can speak whatever comes to mind!
Chorus
Hach hachHach hach
Male
Ulagam suthudhu edhanaalaeWhy does the world spin?
Namba udambu suthudhu adhanaalaeBecause our body is spinning!
Ulagam suthudhu edhanaalaeWhy does the world spin?
All :Namba udambu suthudhu adhanaalaeAll: Because our body is spinning!
Ulagam suthudhu edhanaalaeWhy does the world spin?
Namba udambu suthudhu adhanaalaeBecause our body is spinning!
Male
Kalagam varuvadhu edhanaalaeWhy does conflict arise?
Kalayam pongudhu adhanaalaeBecause the toddy pot overflows!
Kalagam varuvadhu edhanaalaeWhy does conflict arise?
All :Kalayam pongudhu adhanaalaeAll: Because the toddy pot overflows!
Male
Sorgam theriyudhu edhanaalaeWhy does heaven become visible?
Mayakkam varugudhu adhanaalaeBecause intoxication sets in!
Sorgam theriyudhu edhanaalaeWhy does heaven become visible?
All :Mayakkam varugudhu adhanaalaeAll: Because intoxication sets in!
Male
{Ulagam suthudhu edhanaalaeWhy does the world spin?
Namba udambu suthudhu adhanaalae}Because our body is spinning!
Female
{Aahahhaa… aahahhaa…Aahahhaa… aahahhaa…
Aahahhaa… haa… haa… } (Overlap)Aahahhaa… haa… haa… (Overlap)
Chorus
{Ulagam suthudhu edhanaalaeWhy does the world spin?
Namba udambu suthudhu adhanaalae}Because our body is spinning!
Male
{ Aahahhaa… ohohhoha…Aahahhaa… ohohhoha…
Mhum… mm… mmmm… } (Overlap)Mhum… mm… mmmm… (Overlap)
Male
Kannai kavarudhu edhanaalaeWhy does it catch the eye?
Iva kanni ponnu adhanaalaeBecause she is a young maiden!
Kannai kavarudhu edhanaalaeWhy does it catch the eye?
Chorus
Iva kanni ponnu adhanaalaeBecause she is a young maiden!
Male
Kanni ponnu… mmm…A young maiden… mmm…
Kannathil onnu… haa…A kiss on the cheek… haa…
Female
Ulagam suthudhu edhanaalaeWhy does the world spin?
Chorus
Aahahhaa… aa… haa…} (Overlap )Aahahhaa… aa… haa… (Overlap)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song is a humorous, drunken tavern-style track from the 1963 film Kaanchi Thalaivan. Through catchy, repetitive call-and-response lines, the lyrics depict characters under the influence of alcohol engaging in light philosophical banter about why the world seems to spin around them and why conflicts arise from overflowing liquor pots.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme / Refrain)

Ulagam suthudhu edhanaalae / Namba udambu suthudhu adhanaalae

The persistent pairing of 'edhanaalae' (why) and 'adhanaalae' (because of that) at the end of alternating lines creates a rhythmic call-and-response structure.

Moni / Alliteration

Kalagam varuvadhu edhanaalae / Kalayam pongudhu adhanaalae

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound across 'Kalagam' (conflict) and 'Kalayam' (liquor pot), as well as 'Kannai' (eye), 'Kanni' (maiden), and 'Kannathil' (on the cheek).

Hyperbole (Exaggeration)

Neer mel nadakkalaam naam

Exaggerated claims reflecting drunken bravado, such as claiming to walk on water or seeing heaven.

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Trivia

Kaanchi Thalaivan (1963) is a historical drama film starring M. G. Ramachandran, S. S. Rajendran, and Padmini. The film's soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan, and the lyrics were penned by M. Karunanidhi, who served as a prominent writer and political leader.

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