Netru Veru
From Vijeya · 1973
- Lyricist
- Kannadasan
- Music director
- G. Devarajan
- Details
- Vijeya1973
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru | Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different. |
| Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru | Every day, the meaning of civilization changes. |
| Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru | Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different. |
| Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru | Every day, the meaning of civilization changes. |
| Male | |
| Maattrugindra aadai veru anigalan veru | The clothes we change are different, the ornaments are different. |
| Dhinam maarugindra ulagil neeyum maari paaru | In this daily-changing world, try changing yourself too. |
| Aah thathaa maari paaru | Ah, grandfather, try changing! |
| Male | |
| Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru | Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different. |
| Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru | Every day, the meaning of civilization changes. |
| Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru | Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different. |
| Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru | Every day, the meaning of civilization changes. |
| Male | |
| Aadai maattri vaazhvathalla naagareegam dhinam | Civilization isn't merely about changing clothes every day. |
| Anbu seithu dharmam kaakkum naagareegam | True civilization is showing love and upholding righteousness. |
| Aadai maattri vaazhvathalla naagareegam dhinam | Civilization isn't merely about changing clothes every day. |
| Anbu seithu dharmam kaakkum naagareegam | True civilization is showing love and upholding righteousness. |
| Male | |
| Iraivan meethu bakthiyulla naagareegam | A civilization that possesses devotion toward God. |
| Adhil idhayamulla pazhamaiyaana naagareegam | In that lies an ancient civilization filled with heart. |
| Male | |
| Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru | Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different. |
| Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru | Every day, the meaning of civilization changes. |
| Male | |
| Chandhiranil irangugindra | The man who lands on the moon... |
| Manithan engae | Where is he? |
| Indrum chandhiranai vanangugindra | And where are you, who still worship... |
| Neengal engae | The moon today? |
| Male | |
| Chandhiranil irangugindra | The man who lands on the moon... |
| Manithan engae | Where is he? |
| Indrum chandhiranai vanangugindra | And where are you, who still worship... |
| Neengal engae | The moon today? |
| Male | |
| Koyil thedi poojai | Searching for temples to perform rituals... |
| Seiyya neramillai | There is no time for that. |
| Naangal kondu vantha | The modern ideas that we brought... |
| Pudhumaikkindru eedumillai | Nothing can match those innovations today! |
| Male | |
| Naadagaththu thoonai pola | Like a pillar in a theatrical stage play... |
| Side-u irakki | Growing sideburns down... |
| Antha narikkuravar pol maniyai | Like the nomadic tribe, wearing beads... |
| Kazhuththil adukki | Stacked around your neck... |
| Male | |
| Naadagaththu thoonai pola | Like a pillar in a theatrical stage play... |
| Side-u irakki | Growing sideburns down... |
| Antha narikkuravar pol maniyai | Like the nomadic tribe, wearing beads... |
| Kazhuththil adukki | Stacked around your neck... |
| Male | |
| Kudukuduppaikkaaran pola | Like a fortune teller... |
| Sattaiyai pottu | Wearing bizarre shirts... |
| Neengal kondu vantha pudhumai | The modern fashion you brought... |
| Verum veththu vettu | Is nothing but useless show-off! |
| Male | |
| Ettu muzhal vettiyai | An eight-cubit traditional dhoti... |
| Naan sumakka mudiyumaa illa | Can I carry such weight? Or... |
| Yaezhu muzham thundai | A seven-cubit shoulder cloth... |
| Naanum thaanga mudiyumaa | Can I bear to wear that too? |
| Male | |
| Ettu muzhal vettiyai | An eight-cubit traditional dhoti... |
| Naan sumakka mudiyumaa illa | Can I carry such weight? Or... |
| Yaezhu muzham thundai | A seven-cubit shoulder cloth... |
| Naanum thaanga mudiyumaa | Can I bear to wear that too? |
| Male | |
| Pattaiyaaga neerumittaal | If sacred ash is smeared in thick bands... |
| Sagikka mudiyumaa ungal | Can anyone tolerate it? |
| Paramparaiyai intha kaalam | Will the present generation... |
| Ninaikka mudiyumaa | Ever respect your old traditions? |
| Male | |
| Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru | Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different. |
| Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru | Every day, the meaning of civilization changes. |
| Male | |
| Aahahaa | Aahahaa! |
| Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru | Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different. |
| Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru | Every day, the meaning of civilization changes. |
மற்றும் எஸ். பி. பாலசுப்ரமணியம்
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
நேற்று வேறு இன்று வேறு நாளை வேறு
தினம் நாகரீகம் என்பதற்கு அர்த்தம் வேறு
நேற்று வேறு இன்று வேறு நாளை வேறு
தினம் நாகரீகம் என்பதற்கு அர்த்தம் வேறு
The clothes we change are different, the ornaments are different.
In this daily-changing world, try changing yourself too.
Ah, grandfather, try changing!
மாற்றுகின்ற ஆடை வேறு அணிகலன் வேறு
தினம் மாறுகின்ற உலகில் நீயும் மாறிப் பாரு....
ஆஹ் தாத்தா மாறி பாரு
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
நேற்று வேறு இன்று வேறு நாளை வேறு
தினம் நாகரீகம் என்பதற்கு அர்த்தம் வேறு
நேற்று வேறு இன்று வேறு நாளை வேறு
தினம் நாகரீகம் என்பதற்கு அர்த்தம் வேறு
Civilization isn't merely about changing clothes every day.
True civilization is showing love and upholding righteousness.
Civilization isn't merely about changing clothes every day.
True civilization is showing love and upholding righteousness.
ஆடை மாற்றி வாழ்வதல்ல நாகரீகம் தினம்
அன்பு செய்து தர்மம் காக்கும் நாகரீகம்
ஆடை மாற்றி வாழ்வதல்ல நாகரீகம் தினம்
அன்பு செய்து தர்மம் காக்கும் நாகரீகம்
A civilization that possesses devotion toward God.
In that lies an ancient civilization filled with heart.
இறைவன் மீது பக்தியுள்ள நாகரீகம்
அதில் இதயமுள்ள பழமையான நாகரீகம்.......
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
நேற்று வேறு இன்று வேறு நாளை வேறு
தினம் நாகரீகம் என்பதற்கு அர்த்தம் வேறு
The man who lands on the moon...
Where is he?
And where are you, who still worship...
The moon today?
சந்திரனில் இறங்குகின்ற
மனிதன் எங்கே
இன்றும் சந்திரனை வணங்குகின்ற
நீங்கள் எங்கே...
The man who lands on the moon...
Where is he?
And where are you, who still worship...
The moon today?
சந்திரனில் இறங்குகின்ற
மனிதன் எங்கே
இன்றும் சந்திரனை வணங்குகின்ற
நீங்கள் எங்கே...
Searching for temples to perform rituals...
There is no time for that.
The modern ideas that we brought...
Nothing can match those innovations today!
கோயில் தேடி பூஜை
செய்ய நேரமில்லை
நாங்கள் கொண்டு வந்த
புதுமைக்கின்று ஈடுமில்லை....
Like a pillar in a theatrical stage play...
Growing sideburns down...
Like the nomadic tribe, wearing beads...
Stacked around your neck...
நாடகத்து தூணைப் போல
சைடு இறக்கி
அந்த நரிக்குறவர் போல் மணியை
கழுத்தில் அடுக்கி
Like a pillar in a theatrical stage play...
Growing sideburns down...
Like the nomadic tribe, wearing beads...
Stacked around your neck...
நாடகத்து தூணைப் போல
சைடு இறக்கி
அந்த நரிக்குறவர் போல் மணியை
கழுத்தில் அடுக்கி
Like a fortune teller...
Wearing bizarre shirts...
The modern fashion you brought...
Is nothing but useless show-off!
குடுகுடுப்பைக்காரன் போல
சட்டையைப் போட்டு
நீங்கள் கொண்டு வந்த புதுமை
வெறும் வெத்து வேட்டு
An eight-cubit traditional dhoti...
Can I carry such weight? Or...
A seven-cubit shoulder cloth...
Can I bear to wear that too?
எட்டு முழம் வேட்டியை
நான் சுமக்க முடியுமா இல்லை
ஏழு முழம் துண்டை
நானும் தாங்க முடியுமா
An eight-cubit traditional dhoti...
Can I carry such weight? Or...
A seven-cubit shoulder cloth...
Can I bear to wear that too?
எட்டு முழம் வேட்டியை
நான் சுமக்க முடியுமா இல்லை
ஏழு முழம் துண்டை
நானும் தாங்க முடியுமா
If sacred ash is smeared in thick bands...
Can anyone tolerate it?
Will the present generation...
Ever respect your old traditions?
பட்டையாக நீருமிட்டால்
சகிக்க முடியுமா உங்கள்
பரம்பரையை இந்த காலம்
நினைக்க முடியுமா....
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
நேற்று வேறு இன்று வேறு நாளை வேறு
தினம் நாகரீகம் என்பதற்கு அர்த்தம் வேறு
Aahahaa!
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
ஆஹஹா
நேற்று வேறு இன்று வேறு நாளை வேறு
தினம் நாகரீகம் என்பதற்கு அர்த்தம் வேறு
Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
Maattrugindra aadai veru anigalan veru
The clothes we change are different, the ornaments are different.
Dhinam maarugindra ulagil neeyum maari paaru
In this daily-changing world, try changing yourself too.
Aah thathaa maari paaru
Ah, grandfather, try changing!
Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
Aadai maattri vaazhvathalla naagareegam dhinam
Civilization isn't merely about changing clothes every day.
Anbu seithu dharmam kaakkum naagareegam
True civilization is showing love and upholding righteousness.
Aadai maattri vaazhvathalla naagareegam dhinam
Civilization isn't merely about changing clothes every day.
Anbu seithu dharmam kaakkum naagareegam
True civilization is showing love and upholding righteousness.
Iraivan meethu bakthiyulla naagareegam
A civilization that possesses devotion toward God.
Adhil idhayamulla pazhamaiyaana naagareegam
In that lies an ancient civilization filled with heart.
Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
Chandhiranil irangugindra
The man who lands on the moon...
Manithan engae
Where is he?
Indrum chandhiranai vanangugindra
And where are you, who still worship...
Neengal engae
The moon today?
Chandhiranil irangugindra
The man who lands on the moon...
Manithan engae
Where is he?
Indrum chandhiranai vanangugindra
And where are you, who still worship...
Neengal engae
The moon today?
Koyil thedi poojai
Searching for temples to perform rituals...
Seiyya neramillai
There is no time for that.
Naangal kondu vantha
The modern ideas that we brought...
Pudhumaikkindru eedumillai
Nothing can match those innovations today!
Naadagaththu thoonai pola
Like a pillar in a theatrical stage play...
Side-u irakki
Growing sideburns down...
Antha narikkuravar pol maniyai
Like the nomadic tribe, wearing beads...
Kazhuththil adukki
Stacked around your neck...
Naadagaththu thoonai pola
Like a pillar in a theatrical stage play...
Side-u irakki
Growing sideburns down...
Antha narikkuravar pol maniyai
Like the nomadic tribe, wearing beads...
Kazhuththil adukki
Stacked around your neck...
Kudukuduppaikkaaran pola
Like a fortune teller...
Sattaiyai pottu
Wearing bizarre shirts...
Neengal kondu vantha pudhumai
The modern fashion you brought...
Verum veththu vettu
Is nothing but useless show-off!
Ettu muzhal vettiyai
An eight-cubit traditional dhoti...
Naan sumakka mudiyumaa illa
Can I carry such weight? Or...
Yaezhu muzham thundai
A seven-cubit shoulder cloth...
Naanum thaanga mudiyumaa
Can I bear to wear that too?
Ettu muzhal vettiyai
An eight-cubit traditional dhoti...
Naan sumakka mudiyumaa illa
Can I carry such weight? Or...
Yaezhu muzham thundai
A seven-cubit shoulder cloth...
Naanum thaanga mudiyumaa
Can I bear to wear that too?
Pattaiyaaga neerumittaal
If sacred ash is smeared in thick bands...
Sagikka mudiyumaa ungal
Can anyone tolerate it?
Paramparaiyai intha kaalam
Will the present generation...
Ninaikka mudiyumaa
Ever respect your old traditions?
Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
Aahahaa
Aahahaa!
Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru
Yesterday was different, today is different, tomorrow will be different.
Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku arththam veru
Every day, the meaning of civilization changes.
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song presents a spirited philosophical debate between generational perspectives on modernity versus tradition. Representing the younger generation, one singer argues that civilization is fluid, constantly redefining itself through evolving fashions, technological advancements (such as man landing on the moon), and freedom from cumbersome ancient attire. In contrast, the elder perspective counters that true civilization is not defined by outward attire or superficial trends, but by righteousness (dharmam), devotion to God, and heartful compassion. Through lively lyrical banter written by Kannadasan, the song humorously critiques modern youth trends (long sideburns, bead necklaces, flashy shirts) while simultaneously questioning orthodox traditional practices (heavy dhotis, thick sacred ash). Ultimately, it highlights the perennial cultural clash between youth seeking progressive change and elders guarding traditional moral values.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)
“Nettru veru indru veru / Dhinam naagareegam enpatharkku”
The second letter 't' (ட்/த்/ந் harmony) recurs in consecutive lines, establishing a rhythmic cadence typical of Tamil verse.
Muran (Antithesis)
“Nettru veru indru veru naalai veru”
Contrasting time frames ('Nettru' - Yesterday, 'Indru' - Today, 'Naalai' - Tomorrow) are juxtaposed to show constant change.
Uvamaani (Simile)
“Naadagaththu thoonai pola / Kudukuduppaikkaaran pola”
Similes using 'pola' compare modern youth fashions to theater set pillars and street fortune tellers.
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Naan sumakka mudiyumaa illa / Naanum thaanga mudiyumaa”
The matching verbal end suffix '-mudiyumaa' creates an emphatic, questioning end-rhyme scheme.
Did you know?
Trivia
This track features a rare vocal collaboration between legendary Tamil playback singer T. M. Soundararajan (TMS) and rising star S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) under the musical composition of renowned Malayalam veteran G. Devarajan Master, who composed for a select few Tamil films including 'Vijeya' (1973).
Keep listening
More from Vijeya
Vijeya
Vijeya