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Isaimozhi
Nandalala album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Oru Vaandu Koottame

From Nandalala · 2009

Lyricist
Kabilan
Singers
Ilayaraja, Master Yadheeswaran
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Nandalala
Movie release year
2009
Lyrics added on
21 Apr 2026

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Oru vaandu koottamae thaiyaa thaiyaa koottame
Idhu vaalai neettidum thaiyaa thaiyaa aattamae
Paal vaadi pattu nikkadhaiyaa
Naadodi koothu thakkadhaiyaa
Both :Oru pallaakku bavani vaaren
Oru vaandu koottamae thaiyaa thaiyaa koottame
Idhu vaalai neettidum thaiyaa thaiyaa aattamae
Aayiram kaalam vaazhndhaalum
Kuzhandhai paruvam marakkadhae
Pillaiyai pol boomiyilae
Ini oru deivam irukkadhae
Namakkoru nanban naatinilae
Narunguzhal oothidum nandhalaala
Kanakkindri nanbargal avanukkundu
Kaalangal kooridum rombha naala
Kanna nee engalaiyum
Un koottil saerthu kollu
Ennaa idhu unakku pidikkaliyaa
Sonna unnai vidavum
Enna kurumbhu seivom
Vennaiayi thirudi thara naangal illaiyaa
A swarm of beetles, a lively dancing crowd!
This is a tail-wagging, rhythmic dance!
The nursery school has come to a halt,
While the nomad folk dance grooves to the beat!
I come parading in a palanquin!
A swarm of beetles, a lively dancing crowd!
This is a tail-wagging, rhythmic dance!
Even if you live for a thousand years,
Childhood is never forgotten.
On this earth, just like a child,
There will never be another god!
We have a friend in this land,
Nandalala, playing his sweet flute!
He has friends beyond count,
As time has told for ages!
Oh Krishna, take us too,
And bring us into your flock!
What, do you not like that?
Just tell us, and even more than you,
What great mischief we will make!
Aren't we here to steal butter and bring it to you?
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This joyful song celebrates the purity, innocence, and carefree playfulness of childhood. It draws a sweet parallel between the mischievous nature of young children and Lord Krishna (Nandalala), the legendary divine child known for his playful antics, flute music, and butter-stealing escapades with his friends.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Oru vaandu koottamae thaiyaa thaiyaa koottame / Idhu vaalai neettidum thaiyaa thaiyaa aattamae

The lines end with rhyming suffixes ('koottame' / 'aattamae'), providing a rhythmic flow.

Uvamai Ani (Simile)

Pillaiyai pol boomiyilae ini oru deivam irukkadhae

Direct comparison comparing a child to a living god on Earth using 'pol' (like).

Monai (Initial Rhyme/Alliteration)

Namakkoru nanban naatinilae / Narunguzhal oothidum nandhalaala

Repetition of the starting sound 'Na' across the line pair.

Cultural Allusion

Vennaiayi thirudi thara naangal illaiyaa

Alludes to the Hindu mythological lore of young Krishna stealing butter with his childhood friends in Gokulam.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Nandalala' (2009), directed by Mysskin, was heavily inspired by Takeshi Kitano's acclaimed Japanese film 'Kikujiro'. Ilaiyaraaja's soundtrack for the film features minimalist, highly emotional compositions, and this particular song captures the spirit of childhood road trips. The song is sung by Ilaiyaraaja himself alongside child singer Master Yadheeswaran to emphasize the bond between adults and children.

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