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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Oru Vaandu Koottame

From Nandalala · 2009

Lyricist
Kabilan
Singers
Ilayaraja, Master Yadheeswaran
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Nandalala2009

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Oru vaandu koottamae thaiyaa thaiyaa koottameA group of little kids, a dancing, lively group,
Idhu vaalai neettidum thaiyaa thaiyaa aattamaeThis is a mischievous dance, wiggling their tails,
Paal vaadi pattu nikkadhaiyaaIt won't stop even as the milk dries up,
Naadodi koothu thakkadhaiyaaThis nomadic dance is rhythmically vibrant!
Both :Oru pallaakku bavani vaarenBoth: Coming in a palanquin procession!
Oru vaandu koottamae thaiyaa thaiyaa koottameA group of little kids, a dancing, lively group,
Idhu vaalai neettidum thaiyaa thaiyaa aattamaeThis is a mischievous dance, wiggling their tails,
Male
Aayiram kaalam vaazhndhaalumEven if one lives for a thousand years,
Kuzhandhai paruvam marakkadhaeOne never forgets their childhood stage,
Pillaiyai pol boomiyilaeOn this earth, like a child,
Ini oru deivam irukkadhaeThere is no other living god,
Male
Namakkoru nanban naatinilaeWe have a friend in this land,
Narunguzhal oothidum nandhalaalaNandalala, who plays the sweet flute,
Kanakkindri nanbargal avanukkunduHe has countless friends,
Kaalangal kooridum rombha naalaTime has been telling this story for ages,
Male
Kanna nee engalaiyumOh Krishna, won't you take us too,
Un koottil saerthu kolluAnd include us in your group?
Ennaa idhu unakku pidikkaliyaaWhat, don't you like this?
Sonna unnai vidavumMore than what can be expressed in words,
Enna kurumbhu seivomWhat pranks we shall pull!
Vennaiayi thirudi thara naangal illaiyaaAren't we here to steal butter for you?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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