Oruvan Oruvan
From Muthu · 1995
- Lyricist
- Vairamuthu
- Singers
- S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Ila Arun, A. R. Rahman
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Details
- Muthu1995
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Hey hey hey hey hey hey hey | Hey hey hey hey hey hey hey |
| Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho | Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho |
| Hey ey hey hey heyeey hey hey | Hey ey hey hey heyeey hey hey |
| Ho ho ho ho hooooooo…. | Ho ho ho ho hooooooo… |
| Male | |
| Oruvan oruvan muthalaali | Only one person is the supreme master (God) |
| Ulagil matravan thozhilaali | Everyone else in this world is merely a worker |
| Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali | He who broods over fate is a fool |
| Athai vendru mudippavan arivali | He who conquers fate through action is a wise man |
| Male | |
| Oruvan oruvan muthalaali | Only one person is the supreme master |
| Ulagil matravan thozhilaali | Everyone else in this world is merely a worker |
| Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali | He who broods over fate is a fool |
| Athai vendru mudippavan arivali | He who conquers fate through action is a wise man |
| Male | |
| Boomiyai vella ayutham etharku | Why do you need weapons to conquer the earth? |
| Pooparikka kodari etharku | Why do you need an axe to pick a flower? |
| Ponno porulo porkkalam etharku | Why fight a war for gold or material wealth? |
| Asai thuranthal agilam unakku | If you renounce desire, the entire universe is yours! |
| Male | |
| Oruvan oruvan muthalaali | Only one person is the supreme master |
| Ulagil matravan thozhilaali | Everyone else in this world is merely a worker |
| Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali | He who broods over fate is a fool |
| Athai vendru mudippavan arivali | He who conquers fate through action is a wise man |
| Chorus | |
| Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya | Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya |
| Haan hey hey hey hey | Haan hey hey hey hey |
| Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya | Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya |
| Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya | Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya |
| Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya | Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya |
| Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya | Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya |
| Male | |
| Mannin meethu manithanukaasai | Man desires to possess the land |
| Manithan meethu mannukkaasai | The land desires to possess man (in death) |
| Mannin meethu manithanukaasai | Man desires to possess the land |
| Manithan meethu mannukkaasai | The land desires to possess man |
| Male | |
| Mannthan kadaisiyil jeikkirathu | In the end, it is the earth that wins |
| Ithai manamthan unara marukkirathu | Yet the human mind refuses to realize this truth |
| Male | |
| Kaiyil konjam kaasu irunthaal | If you have a little money in your hand |
| Neethan atharku ejamaanan | You remain its master |
| Kazhuthu varaikkum kasu irunthal | But if you are buried up to your neck in money |
| Athuthan unakku ejamanan. | That money becomes your master! |
| Vazhvin artham purinthuvidu | Understand the true meaning of life |
| Vazhkkaiyai vaari kudithuvidu | Drink in and savor life to the fullest |
| Male | |
| Oruvan oruvan muthalaali | Only one person is the supreme master |
| Ulagil matravan thozhilaali | Everyone else in this world is merely a worker |
| Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali | He who broods over fate is a fool |
| Athai vendru mudippavan arivali | He who conquers fate through action is a wise man |
| Chorus | |
| ……………………………….. | ... |
| Male | |
| Vanam unakku bhoomiyum unakku | The sky belongs to you, and the earth belongs to you |
| Varappugalodu sandaigal etharku | Why fight over boundaries and property lines? |
| Vanam unakku bhoomiyum unakku | The sky belongs to you, and the earth belongs to you |
| Varappugalodu sandaigal etharku | Why fight over boundaries and property lines? |
| Male | |
| Vazha cholluthu iyarkaiyada | Nature urges you to live joyfully, my friend |
| Vazhvil thunbam seyarkaiyada | Suffering in life is purely artificial, my friend! |
| Male | |
| Paravaigal ennai parkkumbothu | When the birds look at me |
| Nalama nalama engirathu | They ask, "Are you doing well, are you fine?" |
| Mottugal mella thirakkumbothu | When the flower buds gently blossom |
| Muthu muthu engirathae | They whisper my name, "Muthu, Muthu!" |
| Male | |
| Ilamai inimel pogathu | My youth will never slip away from now on |
| Ada muthumai enakku varathu | Ah, old age will never touch me! |
| Male | |
| Oruvan oruvan muthalaali | Only one person is the supreme master |
| Ulagil matravan thozhilaali | Everyone else in this world is merely a worker |
| Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali | He who broods over fate is a fool |
| Athai vendru mudippavan arivali | He who conquers fate through action is a wise man |
| Male | |
| Haan oruvan oruvan muthalaali | Haan, only one person is the supreme master |
| Ulagil matravan thozhilaali | Everyone else in this world is merely a worker |
| Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali | He who broods over fate is a fool |
| Athai vendru mudippavan arivali | He who conquers fate through action is a wise man |
| Male | |
| Boomiyai vella ayutham etharku | Why do you need weapons to conquer the earth? |
| Pooparikka kodari etharku | Why do you need an axe to pick a flower? |
| Ponno porulo porkkalam etharku | Why fight a war for gold or material wealth? |
| Asai thuranthal agilam unakku | If you renounce desire, the entire universe is yours! |
மற்றும் ஏ. ஆர். ரஹமான்
Hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
Hey ey hey hey heyeey hey hey
Ho ho ho ho hooooooo…
ஹே ஹே ஹே ஹே
ஹே ஹே ஹே ஹே
ஹோ ஹோ ஹோ ஹோ
ஹோ ஹோ ஹோ ஹோ
ஹே ஹேஏஏ ஹே ஹே
ஹேஏ ஏ ஹே ஹே ஹே
ஹோ ஹோ ஹோ ஹோ ஓஓ...
Only one person is the supreme master (God)
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
He who broods over fate is a fool
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
ஒருவன் ஒருவன் முதலாளி
உலகில் மற்றவன் தொழிலாளி
விதியை நினைப்பவன் ஏமாளி
அதை வென்று முடிப்பவன் அறிவாளி
Only one person is the supreme master
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
He who broods over fate is a fool
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
ஒருவன் ஒருவன் முதலாளி
உலகில் மற்றவன் தொழிலாளி
விதியை நினைப்பவன் ஏமாளி
அதை வென்று முடிப்பவன் அறிவாளி
Why do you need weapons to conquer the earth?
Why do you need an axe to pick a flower?
Why fight a war for gold or material wealth?
If you renounce desire, the entire universe is yours!
பூமியை வெல்ல ஆயுதம் எதற்கு
பூப்பறிக்க கோடரி எதற்கு
பொன்னோ பொருளோ போர்க்களம் எதற்கு
ஆசை துறந்தால் அகிலம் உனக்கு
Only one person is the supreme master
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
He who broods over fate is a fool
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
ஒருவன் ஒருவன் முதலாளி
உலகில் மற்றவன் தொழிலாளி
விதியை நினைப்பவன் ஏமாளி
அதை வென்று முடிப்பவன் அறிவாளி
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Haan hey hey hey hey
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
சைய்ய சைய்யார சைய்யார சைய்ய
ஹான் ஹே ஹே ஹே ஹே
{சைய்ய சைய்யார சைய்யார சைய்ய } ()
Man desires to possess the land
The land desires to possess man (in death)
Man desires to possess the land
The land desires to possess man
மண்ணின் மீது மனிதனுக்காசை
மனிதன் மீது மண்ணுக்காசை
மண்ணின் மீது மனிதனுக்காசை
மனிதன் மீது மண்ணுக்காசை.
In the end, it is the earth that wins
Yet the human mind refuses to realize this truth
மண்தான் கடைசியில் ஜெயிக்கிறது
இதை மனம்தான் உணர மறுக்கிறது
If you have a little money in your hand
You remain its master
But if you are buried up to your neck in money
That money becomes your master!
Understand the true meaning of life
Drink in and savor life to the fullest
கையில் கொஞ்சம் காசு இருந்தால்
நீதான் அதற்கு எஜமானன்
கழுத்து வரைக்கும் காசு இருந்தால்
அதுதான் உனக்கு எஜமானன்
Only one person is the supreme master
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
He who broods over fate is a fool
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
வாழ்வின் அர்த்தம் புரிந்துவிடு
வாழ்க்கையை வாரிக் குடித்துவிடு
...
ஒருவன் ஒருவன் முதலாளி
உலகில் மற்றவன் தொழிலாளி
விதியை நினைப்பவன் ஏமாளி
அதை வென்று முடிப்பவன் அறிவாளி
The sky belongs to you, and the earth belongs to you
Why fight over boundaries and property lines?
The sky belongs to you, and the earth belongs to you
Why fight over boundaries and property lines?
..................................................
Nature urges you to live joyfully, my friend
Suffering in life is purely artificial, my friend!
வானம் உனக்கு பூமியும் உனக்கு
வரப்புகளோடு சண்டைகள் எதற்கு
வானம் உனக்கு பூமியும் உனக்கு
வரப்புகளோடு சண்டைகள் எதற்கு
When the birds look at me
They ask, "Are you doing well, are you fine?"
When the flower buds gently blossom
They whisper my name, "Muthu, Muthu!"
வாழச் சொல்லுது இயற்கையடா
வாழ்வில் துன்பம் செயற்கையடா
My youth will never slip away from now on
Ah, old age will never touch me!
பறவைகள் என்னைப் பார்க்கும் போது
நலமா நலமா என்கிறது
மொட்டுக்கள் மெல்லத் திறக்கும் போது
முத்து முத்து என்கிறதே
Only one person is the supreme master
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
He who broods over fate is a fool
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
இளமை இனிமேல் போகாது
அட முதுமை எனக்கு வாராது
Haan, only one person is the supreme master
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
He who broods over fate is a fool
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
ஒருவன் ஒருவன் முதலாளி
உலகில் மற்றவன் தொழிலாளி
விதியை நினைப்பவன் ஏமாளி
அதை வென்று முடிப்பவன் அறிவாளி
Why do you need weapons to conquer the earth?
Why do you need an axe to pick a flower?
Why fight a war for gold or material wealth?
If you renounce desire, the entire universe is yours!
ஹான் ஒருவன் ஒருவன் முதலாளி
உலகில் மற்றவன் தொழிலாளி
விதியை நினைப்பவன் ஏமாளி
அதை வென்று முடிப்பவன் அறிவாளி
பூமியை வெல்ல ஆயுதம் எதற்கு
பூப்பறிக்க கோடரி எதற்கு
பொன்னோ பொருளோ போர்க்களம் எதற்கு
ஆசை துறந்தால் அகிலம் உனக்கு
Hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Hey hey hey hey hey hey hey
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
Ho ho ho ho ho ho ho
Hey ey hey hey heyeey hey hey
Hey ey hey hey heyeey hey hey
Ho ho ho ho hooooooo….
Ho ho ho ho hooooooo…
Oruvan oruvan muthalaali
Only one person is the supreme master (God)
Ulagil matravan thozhilaali
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali
He who broods over fate is a fool
Athai vendru mudippavan arivali
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
Oruvan oruvan muthalaali
Only one person is the supreme master
Ulagil matravan thozhilaali
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali
He who broods over fate is a fool
Athai vendru mudippavan arivali
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
Boomiyai vella ayutham etharku
Why do you need weapons to conquer the earth?
Pooparikka kodari etharku
Why do you need an axe to pick a flower?
Ponno porulo porkkalam etharku
Why fight a war for gold or material wealth?
Asai thuranthal agilam unakku
If you renounce desire, the entire universe is yours!
Oruvan oruvan muthalaali
Only one person is the supreme master
Ulagil matravan thozhilaali
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali
He who broods over fate is a fool
Athai vendru mudippavan arivali
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Haan hey hey hey hey
Haan hey hey hey hey
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Saiyya saiyyara saiyyara saiyya
Mannin meethu manithanukaasai
Man desires to possess the land
Manithan meethu mannukkaasai
The land desires to possess man (in death)
Mannin meethu manithanukaasai
Man desires to possess the land
Manithan meethu mannukkaasai
The land desires to possess man
Mannthan kadaisiyil jeikkirathu
In the end, it is the earth that wins
Ithai manamthan unara marukkirathu
Yet the human mind refuses to realize this truth
Kaiyil konjam kaasu irunthaal
If you have a little money in your hand
Neethan atharku ejamaanan
You remain its master
Kazhuthu varaikkum kasu irunthal
But if you are buried up to your neck in money
Athuthan unakku ejamanan.
That money becomes your master!
Vazhvin artham purinthuvidu
Understand the true meaning of life
Vazhkkaiyai vaari kudithuvidu
Drink in and savor life to the fullest
Oruvan oruvan muthalaali
Only one person is the supreme master
Ulagil matravan thozhilaali
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali
He who broods over fate is a fool
Athai vendru mudippavan arivali
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
………………………………..
...
Vanam unakku bhoomiyum unakku
The sky belongs to you, and the earth belongs to you
Varappugalodu sandaigal etharku
Why fight over boundaries and property lines?
Vanam unakku bhoomiyum unakku
The sky belongs to you, and the earth belongs to you
Varappugalodu sandaigal etharku
Why fight over boundaries and property lines?
Vazha cholluthu iyarkaiyada
Nature urges you to live joyfully, my friend
Vazhvil thunbam seyarkaiyada
Suffering in life is purely artificial, my friend!
Paravaigal ennai parkkumbothu
When the birds look at me
Nalama nalama engirathu
They ask, "Are you doing well, are you fine?"
Mottugal mella thirakkumbothu
When the flower buds gently blossom
Muthu muthu engirathae
They whisper my name, "Muthu, Muthu!"
Ilamai inimel pogathu
My youth will never slip away from now on
Ada muthumai enakku varathu
Ah, old age will never touch me!
Oruvan oruvan muthalaali
Only one person is the supreme master
Ulagil matravan thozhilaali
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali
He who broods over fate is a fool
Athai vendru mudippavan arivali
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
Haan oruvan oruvan muthalaali
Haan, only one person is the supreme master
Ulagil matravan thozhilaali
Everyone else in this world is merely a worker
Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali
He who broods over fate is a fool
Athai vendru mudippavan arivali
He who conquers fate through action is a wise man
Boomiyai vella ayutham etharku
Why do you need weapons to conquer the earth?
Pooparikka kodari etharku
Why do you need an axe to pick a flower?
Ponno porulo porkkalam etharku
Why fight a war for gold or material wealth?
Asai thuranthal agilam unakku
If you renounce desire, the entire universe is yours!
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
'Oruvan Oruvan Muthalaali' is a celebrated philosophical intro song from the 1995 Tamil movie 'Muthu', featuring Superstar Rajinikanth. Written by lyricist Vairamuthu, composed by A. R. Rahman, and sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, the song serves as a practical guide to life, contentment, and humility. The lyricist conveys that God is the sole master of creation and all humans are equal laborers. It strongly advises against fatalism, emphasizing that true wisdom lies in actively shaping one's destiny rather than complaining about fate. The song cautions against corporate and material greed, pointing out the irony that man obsessively hungers for land, yet the earth eventually reclaims man in death. It also presents a sharp critique of wealth: having a manageable amount of money makes you its master, but chasing excessive wealth turns you into its servant. By living in harmony with nature and shedding unnecessary desires, one can experience endless inner youth and peace.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Muran (Antithesis)
“Mannin meethu manithanukaasai / Manithan meethu mannukkaasai”
Contrasts man's desire to own the land with the land's inevitable desire to reclaim man in death.
Metaphor / Paradox
“Kaiyil konjam kaasu irunthaal neethan atharku ejamaanan / Kazhuthu varaikkum kasu irunthal athuthan unakku ejamanan”
Uses a metaphor of depth/height (up to the neck) to show how control shifts from the person to money when greed takes over.
Rhetorical Question & Simile/Analogy
“Pooparikka kodari etharku”
Asks why an axe is needed to pick a delicate flower, serving as an analogy for using excessive force or violence for simple human needs.
Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyming)
“Vithiyai ninaippavan yemali / Athai vendru mudippavan arivali”
The second letter 'th' ('த்') rhymes across 'Vithiyai' and 'Athai'.
Personification
“Paravaigal ennai parkkumbothu nalama nalama engirathu”
Gives human speech characteristics to birds, describing them as asking after the protagonist's well-being.
Did you know?
Trivia
Composed by A. R. Rahman and sung by the legendary S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, 'Oruvan Oruvan Muthalaali' is one of Rajinikanth's most famous hero-introduction tracks. When 'Muthu' was released in Japan in 1998 as 'Muthu: Odoru Maharaja' (Muthu: Dancing Maharaja), it became a cultural phenomenon, establishing a huge Japanese fanbase for Rajinikanth and making this song globally recognized.
Keep listening
More from Muthu
Muthu
Muthu
Muthu
Muthu