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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Nijaaru Usaaru

From Veera 2017 · 2017

Lyricist
Na. Muthu Kumar
Singers
Lawrence, Mahalingam
Music director
Leon James
Details
Veera 20172017

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Eh kootathaan pottalaeHey, even if a crowd gathers,
Rottathaan nee podu daLay down your own road, man!
Share auto gap-u kullaInside the tiny gap of a share auto,
Rocket ah nee seerudaZoom past like a rocket, man!
Male
Evana irundha unakkennaWhoever it is, why do you care?
Nimirnthae nada da velakkenna..ahWalk tall with your head held high, you foolish fellow!
Un meesa konjam neeTwirl your mustache a bit,
Murikki vittukoAnd style it up!
Un satta collaraPop your shirt collar,
Yethi vittukoAnd raise it up!
Achchatha dealu laWithout any fear, in this deal,
VittukodaPlay it cool!
Male
Eh nijaaru ushaaruHey, keep your pants secure,
Ada illana bejaaruOh, otherwise it's big trouble!
Thambi nijaaru ushaaru..eh heyLittle brother, keep your pants secure,
Ada illana bejaaruOh, otherwise it's big trouble!
Male
Eh kootathaan pottalaeHey, even if a crowd gathers,
Rottathaan nee podu daLay down your own road, man!
Eh share auto gap-u kullaHey, inside the tiny gap of a share auto,
Rocket ah nee seerudaZoom past like a rocket, man!
Male
Inga right-u ellamHere, everything considered right
Ada rightum illaIsn't really right!
Eh wrongu ellamHey, everything considered wrong
Ada wrongum illaIsn't really wrong!
Idhu vera paadhaThis is a different path,
Route ah maathikodaChange your route accordingly!
Male
Un kanna mattumDon't trust
Nee nambidathaYour eyes alone!
Un kadha koodaDon't trust
Nee nambidathaEven your ears alone!
Un nenju sollumListen to the truth
Unmai kettukoda aah haaSpoken by your own heart!
Male
Polladhindha ulagandaaThis world is wicked, man,
Kaththukanum kalagamdaYou must learn to stir up conflict to survive!
Anubavathil naa sollurandaI'm telling you this from experience, man!
Aaah aaaa…aa…Aaah aaaa...aa...
Male
Eh nijaaru ushaaruHey, keep your pants secure,
Ada illana bejaaruOh, otherwise it's big trouble!
Thambi nijaaru ushaaru..eh heyLittle brother, keep your pants secure,
Ada illana bejaaruOh, otherwise it's big trouble!
Male
Eh kootathaan pottalaeHey, even if a crowd gathers,
Rottathaan nee podu daLay down your own road, man!
Eh share auto gap-u kullaHey, inside the tiny gap of a share auto,
Rocket ah nee seerudaZoom past like a rocket, man!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Nijaaru Ushaaru is a street-smart, energetic anthem from the movie Veera (2017) that gives counsel on navigating the chaotic, unpredictable realities of urban life. Written with heavy Chennai local slang, the song encourages the protagonist to walk with swagger, hold his head high, pop his collar, and forge his own distinct path regardless of the crowd or societal pressures. The lyrics highlight the moral ambiguities of city life, pointing out that conventional notions of 'right' and 'wrong' can be misleading. Instead of blindly trusting what one sees or hears, the lyricist urges the listener to trust their instincts and heart, serving as a survival guide delivered with humor, grit, and street wisdom.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Eh nijaaru ushaaru / Ada illana bejaaru

The lines end with rhyming slang words 'ushaaru' (careful) and 'bejaaru' (trouble/distress), creating a catchy rhythmic cadence.

Simile / Hyperbole

Share auto gap-u kulla / Rocket ah nee seeruda

Compares squeezing through narrow traffic gaps in a share-auto to launching like a rocket, exaggerating speed and agility for comic effect.

Muran (Antithesis)

Inga right-u ellam / Ada rightum illa / Eh wrongu ellam / Ada wrongum illa

Juxtaposes the concepts of right and wrong to highlight the moral gray areas and moral paradoxes of modern life.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics were penned by the late double National Award-winning lyricist Na. Muthu Kumar. Known for his versatility across emotional ballads and earthy folk songs, this track highlights his mastery over quirky Chennai local street slang (Madras Baashai) combined with sharp life philosophy.

Keep listening

More from Veera 2017