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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Odi Odi Uzhaikkanum

From Nalla Neram · 1972

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
K. V. Mahadevan
Movie name
Nalla Neram
Movie release year
1972
Lyrics added on
15 May 2017

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
{ Odi odi
Uzhaikanum oorukellam
Kodukanum } (2)
Aadi paadi
Nadakanum anbai
Naalum valarkanum
Odi odi
Uzhaikanum oorukellam
Kodukanum
Aadi paadi
Nadakanum anbai
Naalum valarkanum
Odi odi
Uzhaikanum ………
{ Vayuthukaaga
Manusan ingae kayithil
Aaduran paru aadi mudichu
Irangi vandha apuram
Thaanda soru } (2)
Naan anboda
Solluradha kettu nee
Athanai thiramayum kaatu
Indha ammava paru ayyava
Kelu aalukonnu kodupanga
Odi odi
Uzhaikanum oorukellam
Kodukanum
Aadi paadi
Nadakanum anbai
Naalum valarkanum
Male : Odi odi
Uzhaikanum…….
{ Somberiyaga
Irundhu vittaka soru
Kidaikadhu thambi
Surusurupillama
Thoonkitu irundha
Thuniyum irukadhu thambi } (2)
Idha aduthavan
Sonna kasakum konjam
Anubavam irundha inikum
Idhuku
Aadharam kettal
Aayiram iruku
Athanayum solli podu
Odi odi
Uzhaikanum …….
{ Valimai ullavan
Vachadhu ellam sattam
Aagaathu thambi
Pirar vaazha
Uzhaipavar solluvadhellam
Sattam aaganum thambi } (2)
Nalla samathuvam
Vandhaganum adhilae
Magathuvam undaganum
Naama
Paadura paatum
Aadura koothum
Padipinai thandhaganum
Naatuku
Padipinai thandhaganum
Odi odi
Uzhaikanum oorukellam
Kodukanum
Aadi paadi
Nadakanum anbai
Naalum valarkanum
Odi odi
Uzhaikanum……….
{ We must run around
and work hard, and give
to all the people } (2)
Singing and dancing,
we must walk on, and
nurture love every day.
We must run around
and work hard, and give
to all the people.
Singing and dancing,
we must walk on, and
nurture love every day.
We must run around
and work hard...
{ Just to fill his stomach,
look at man dancing on the rope
here! Only after he finishes the dance
and climbs back down,
does he get any food, brother! } (2)
Listen to what I tell you
with love,
and show all your talents!
Look at this lady, ask this gentleman,
and each will give something.
We must run around
and work hard, and give
to all the people.
Singing and dancing,
we must walk on, and
nurture love every day.
Male: We must run around
and work hard...
{ If you end up
being lazy, you will not
get any food, brother.
If you just sleep
without being active,
you won't even have clothes to wear, brother! } (2)
If someone else says this,
it tastes bitter; but with a little
experience, it tastes sweet.
If you ask
for proof of this,
there are a thousand examples—
go ahead and tell them all!
We must run around
and work hard...
{ Whatever the powerful person
lays down can never become
the law, brother.
What those who toil
for others to live say—
that alone must become the law, brother! } (2)
True equality
must arrive, and in it,
true greatness must arise!
The songs
that we sing
and the dances we perform
must teach a lesson,
to the country,
they must teach a valuable lesson!
We must run around
and work hard, and give
to all the people.
Singing and dancing,
we must walk on, and
nurture love every day.
We must run around
and work hard...
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This iconic Tamil song from 'Nalla Neram' serves as an inspiring anthem highlighting dignity of labor, social equality, and active living. The protagonist preaches that human life gains value through industrious effort, sharing wealth with the needy, and fostering universal love. Through vivid everyday metaphors—such as street acrobats balancing on ropes to earn their daily bread—the song urges people to shed laziness, hone their skills, and take pride in honest hard work.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

“Uzhaikanum oorukellam / Kodukanum / Nadakanum anbai / Naalum valarkanum”

The deliberate ending of consecutive lines with similar sounding verb endings (-kanum) creates a rhythmic, musical flow typical of traditional Tamil song composition.

Ethugai (Second Letter Assonance)

“Odi odi / Aadi paadi”

The second letter 'di' matches in both 'Odi' and 'Aadi', illustrating the classic Tamil poetic agreement known as Ethugai.

Metaphor

“Manusan ingae kayithil aaduran”

Compares human life and the struggle for basic sustenance to a high-wire rope walker performing risky stunts just to earn a meal.

Monai (First Letter Alliteration)

“Paadura paatum / Aadura koothum / Padipinai thandhaganum”

The repetition of initial consonant sounds ('P' in Paadura and Padipinai) enhances cadence and lyrical emphasis.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Nalla Neram' (1972) starred M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and was a massive box-office hit remade from the Hindi blockbuster 'Haathi Mere Saathi'. The music was composed by M. S. Viswanathan with vocals by T. M. Soundararajan. Lyricist Pulamaipithan penned this song with strong egalitarian themes that echoed MGR's political philosophy.

Keep listening

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