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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Neruppu Vaayinil

From Pudhupettai · 2006

Lyricist
Na. Muthu Kumar
Singer
Kamal Haasan
Music director
Yuvan Shankar Raja
Details
Pudhupettai2006

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Neruppu vaayinil oramaai eriyumFire burns at the corner of the mouth
Kaththi kannin irupuram theriyumA knife is visible on both sides of the eyes
Nadakkum nadaiyil varubavan puriyumThe one who comes is understood by his stride
Oorae paarthu oramaai odhungumThe whole town steps aside upon seeing him
Male
HahahahahaHahahahaha
Idhu enna kadavulaeWhat is this, Oh God?
Puriyadhu kaduvulaeIncomprehensible, Oh God!
Verodu saayumToppling from the roots
Indha kaadae tharaiyagumThis forest will become flat land
Male
Edhiraali paarkiraanThe enemy is watching
Theru-voram nikkiraanHe stands by the street side
Market-il muraikkiraanHe glares in the market
Ennai pottu-thalla thudikkiraanHe is eager to finish me off
Engeyum varugiraanHe comes everywhere
Yemanaaga thodargiraanHe follows like the God of Death
Mugam maathi alaigiraanHe wanders around disguising his face
En kangal paarthal maraigiraanHe disappears when my eyes see him
Male
Avan mundhuvaana…Will he strike first...
Naan mundhuvenaa…Or will I strike first...
Naalai raathiri vandhaal solgirenIf tomorrow night comes, I will tell you
Udaiyum megam mazhayai pozhiyumA breaking cloud pours down rain
Udhaikkum pandhu vegamaai pogumA kicked ball moves with speed
Male
HahahahahaHahahahaha
Idhu enna kadavulaeWhat is this, Oh God?
Puriyadhu kaduvulaeIncomprehensible, Oh God!
Mannil ulla pengalThe women on this earth
Kai korthu udal thinnumJoin hands and devour the body
Male
Oru kannil thoongiduSleep with one eye closed
Maru kannai thiranthiruKeep the other eye wide open
Ooivaaga padupathuLying down to rest
Hahaha adhu kallaraiyil kidaipathuHahaha, that is found only in the graveyard
Pogindra paadhaigalThe paths that are traveled
Pala perum ponadhuMany people have walked them before
Pudhithaga pirandhidaTo be born anew
Naam budhan illai vazhi viduWe are not Buddha, so make way
Male
Idhu azhithal velaiThis is the act of destruction
Indha ulagin thevaiIt is the need of this world
Adhai naangal seidhalIf we carry that out
Oor-dhan vanangumaWill the town bow down in respect?
Kaatril kanigal vizhindum varaikkumUntil fruits fall naturally in the wind
Kathirukkadhae kalladi kidaikkumDo not wait, or you will get pelted with stones
Male
HahahahahaHahahahaha
Idhu enna kadavulaeWhat is this, Oh God?
Puriyadhu kaduvulaeIncomprehensible, Oh God!
Ovvoru naalum vidiyalEvery day's dawn
Kann paarthaal adhu pudhaiyalIf seen by the eye, it is a hidden treasure

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This track captures the ruthless, hyper-vigilant mindset of a gangster surviving in the brutal underworld of Pudhupettai. The song explores themes of constant paranoia, deadly rivalry, and existential disillusionment. The protagonist lives under the perpetual threat of assassination, realizing that rest is a luxury reserved only for the grave and that constant alertness is his only shield.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Imagery (Visual)

Oru kannil thoongidu / Maru kannai thiranthiru

Lines like 'Oru kannil thoongidu, Maru kannai thiranthiru' create vivid sensory images of constant vigilance and life on the edge.

Simile / Metaphor

Yemanaaga thodargiraan

Comparing the persistent shadow of an enemy to Yama, the Hindu deity of death ('Yemanaaga thodargiraan').

Iyaibu (Rhyme)

Neruppu vaayinil oramaai eriyum

End-rhymes using '-eriyum', '-theriyum', '-puriyum', '-odhungum' establish a rhythmic cadence typical of Tamil lyrical composition.

Irony / Contrast

Naam budhan illai vazhi vidu

Contrasting non-violence with violence by stating 'Naam budhan illai vazhi vidu' (We are not Buddha, so step aside).

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja for the cult classic Tamil film Pudhupettai (2006), directed by Selvaraghavan and written by Na. Muthu Kumar. The song accompanies the intense character arc of Kokki Kumar (played by Dhanush) as he navigates the violent political-gangster landscape of North Chennai.

Keep listening

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