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Dhavani Kanavugal album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Oru Nayagan

From Dhavani Kanavugal · 1984

Lyricist
Vaali
Singers
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, S. P. Sailaja
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Dhavani Kanavugal
Movie release year
1984
Lyrics added on
11 Jul 2019

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
………………………………..
Oru naayagan udhayam aagiraan
Ooraargalin idhayam aagiraan
Male :Ninaithathai yaar mudippavan sol
Avanidam naan padithavan thaan
Vaasalthedi vanthathoru vasantha kaalam thaan
Chorus :Thaguthugu thaguthugu thaguthugu
Thaguthugu thuu
Ilaignan nalla kalaignan
Endra perai nee vaangu
Male :Lalalalalalaa laa
Female :Naalum andha peraal
Indha oorai nee vaangu
Oru naayagan udhayam aagiraan
Female :Ooraargalin idhayam aagiraan
Palliyilae paadangalai
Padikkanum
Nalla budhisaali pillaiyena
Nadakkanum
Sathunavu thittangalum edhukkudaa
Ezhai santhadhiyum uyaranum adhukkuda
Uzhaikkanum uzhaichi pizhaikkanum
Pirarkku udhavanum
Male & Chorus :Idhai nee
Othukkanum kathukanum
Male :Arignanaa sirantha manidhana
Puratchi thalaivana
Male & Chorus :Vilangum
Kaalam varum neram varum
Enga veetu pillai endru
Thaai kulam thaan unnai kandu
Endha naalum sollum vannam
Vallal pola vaazha vendum
Ullangalai aala vendum
Oru naayagan udhayam aagiraan
Male :Ooraargalin idhayam aagiraan
………………………………….
{Melaadai moodaamal
Paavaadai podaamal
Ponnu onnu ponaal
Kannu paarkum address ketkum} (2)
Poovum vanna pottum
Kondu kodi pol nadai podu
Chorus :Lalala ..laalaalaa
Male :Naanam kula maanam
Thamizh penin panpaadu
Oru naayagan udhayam aagiraan
Ooraargalin idhayam aagiraan
Male :Ninaithathai yaar mudippavan sol
Avanidam naan padithavan thaan
Vaasalthedi vanthathoru vasantha kaalam thaan
Chorus :Thaguthugu thaguthugu thaguthugu
Thaguthugu thuu
...
A hero is rising,
becoming the heartbeat of the people.
Tell me, who accomplishes what he sets his mind to?
I am the one who learned from him!
A season of spring has arrived at our doorstep!
Thagudhugu thagudhugu thagudhugu
Thagudhugu thoo
"A fine young man, a gifted artist"—
earn such a good name for yourself!
La la la la la la la
Day after day, with that good name,
win over this entire town!
A hero is rising,
becoming the heartbeat of the people!
Your lessons at school,
you must study well.
As a good and clever child,
you must conduct yourself.
Why do these nutritious meal schemes exist, my boy?
So that children of the poor can rise up, that's why!
You must work hard, earn an honest living,
and help others in need.
This, you
must accept and learn!
As a scholar, as a noble human being,
as a revolutionary leader,
you will shine—
the time and moment will surely come!
Proudly calling you "the son of our home",
all mothers should look at you
and praise you every single day—
live generously with an open heart,
and rule over people's hearts!
A hero is rising,
becoming the heartbeat of the people!
...
Without covering with an upper garment,
without wearing a proper skirt,
if a girl walks down the street,
eyes will stare and ask for her address!
Adorned with flowers and a bright bindi,
walk gracefully like a swaying vine!
La la la... la la la
Modesty and family honor
are the true values of a Tamil woman!
A hero is rising,
becoming the heartbeat of the people.
Tell me, who accomplishes what he sets his mind to?
I am the one who learned from him!
A season of spring has arrived at our doorstep!
Thagudhugu thagudhugu thagudhugu
Thagudhugu thoo
Chorus
Female
Female
Male
Male
Male
Male
Female
Chorus
Male
Male
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

The song 'Oru Naayagan Udhayam Aagiraan' from the 1984 film 'Dhavani Kanavugal' serves as a motivational anthem heralding the rise of an ideal youth who aspires to serve society. Written by Vaali, the lyrics lay out core moral guidelines—emphasizing education, diligent work, helping the needy, and living as a philanthropist who wins the affection of mothers and the general public. The song heavily pays homage to legendary actor and politician M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) by weaving in famous titles and schemes associated with him. In the second movement, the lyrics touch upon traditional values of dignity, modesty, and social respect in Tamil culture, celebrating a hero who combines artistic passion with community responsibility.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethugai (Second-Letter Rhyme)

“Melaadai moodaamal / Paavaadai podaamal”

The second consonant 'la' (or similar phonetic sound pattern) rhymes across consecutive lines.

Monai (First-Letter Rhyme / Alliteration)

“Palliyilae paadangalai / Padikkanum”

Repetition of the initial sound 'Pa' in consecutive lines creates rhythmic flow.

Metaphor

“Vaasalthedi vanthathoru vasantha kaalam thaan”

The arrival of good fortune or a promising future is metaphorically described as the spring season ('vasantha kaalam') knocking on one's door.

Cultural Allusion

“Puratchi thalaivana / Enga veetu pillai endru / Sathunavu thittangalum edhukkudaa”

Direct references to M.G. Ramachandran's popular epithet ('Puratchi Thalaivar'), famous movie title ('Enga Veetu Pillai'), and flagship welfare policy ('Sathunavu Thittam').

Simile

“Kondu kodi pol nadai podu”

The walking stance of a woman is explicitly compared using 'pol' (like) to the graceful sway of a creeper vine ('kodi').

Keep listening

Songs with a similar feeling

Thotta Idam Thulanga1968
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Kadavul Vazhthuppaadum1971
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Thangangale Thambigale1981
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Orey Vaanam2025
Tourist FamilyHopeHopeful
Panjali Oruthikku1986
Mahasakthi MariammanIdentityResilience
Idli Saambaar1955
KathanayakiCelebratoryIdentity

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