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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Netri Pottil

From Ko · 2011

Lyricist
Madhan Karky
Singer
Naresh Iyer
Music director
Harris Jayaraj
Details
Ko2011

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Netri pottil patriya ennamThe thought ignited in the center of the forehead
Ettuthikkum parava virumbumDesires to spread in all eight directions
Putrai kattum erumbugal naangalWe are the ants that build anthills
Satham pottal ulagam thirumbumIf we make a sound, the world will turn and look
Chorus
Netri pottil patriya ennamThe thought ignited in the center of the forehead
Ettuthikkum parava virumbumDesires to spread in all eight directions
Putrai kattum erumbugal naangalWe are the ants that build anthills
Satham pottal ulagam thirumbum thirumbumIf we make a sound, the world will turn and look, turn and look
Male
Yen piranthom endrae irunthomWe used to exist wondering why we were born
Kan thiranthom avvaan paranthomWe opened our eyes and flew into that sky
Ye matram thediyaeSearching for a change!
Chorus :Paba pab pab paabapaChorus: Pa ba pab pab paabapa
Male :Thinam oru netrai thorkiromMale: Every day, we defeat a yesterday
Chorus :Pa ba pab pab paabapaChorus: Pa ba pab pab paabapa
Male :Eh vetru pathayil boomi sutra paarkiromMale: Hey, we watch the earth rotate on a vacant path
Chorus :Vizhaketrum sudar kaatrai selvomaeChorus: Shall we move like a wind carrying a lighting flame?
Chorus
Netri pottil patriya ennamThe thought ignited in the center of the forehead
Ettuthikkum parava virumbumDesires to spread in all eight directions
Putrai kattum erumbugal naangalWe are the ants that build anthills
Satham pottal ulagam thirumbum thirumbumIf we make a sound, the world will turn and look, turn and look
Male
Yen piranthom endrae irunthomWe used to exist wondering why we were born
Kan thiranthom avvaan paranthomWe opened our eyes and flew into that sky
Male
{Cafe beachillum{In cafes and on the beach
Chorus :Oo oo ohChorus: Oo oo oh
Male :Kanavinai kottai katinomMale: We built castles out of dreams
Chorus :Ohoo..oohhoo..yeahChorus: Ohoo..oohhoo..yeah
Male :Facebook wallilumMale: Even on Facebook walls
Engal kolgai theetinomWe inscribed our principles
Chorus :Inainthomae munainthomae parpomae}(2)Chorus: We united, we strived, let us see}(2)

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This track from the movie 'Ko' serves as a vibrant youth anthem celebrating political awareness, unity, and drive for social change among the younger generation. It contrasts past existential aimlessness with present purpose, describing how young minds ignite with transformative ideas and band together like industrious ants to make a powerful impact.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Putrai kattum erumbugal naangal

Compares the relentless, collective efforts of the youth to ants building an anthill.

Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyming)

Netri pottil patriya ennam / Ettuthikkum parava virumbum

The second letter 't' (t/tt) rhymes across the consecutive lines ('Ne-t-ri' and 'E-t-tuthikkum').

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Yen piranthom endrae irunthom / Kan thiranthom avvaan paranthom

The lines end with matching rhyming suffixes ('irunthom' / 'paranthom').

Did you know?

Trivia

The music for Ko was composed by Harris Jayaraj. Lyricist Madhan Karky was one of the early pioneers in Tamil cinema to integrate modern technology and social media jargon (like 'Facebook wall') naturally into song lyrics, reflecting the contemporary lifestyle of urban youth.

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