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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Paadupatta Thannale

From Nadodi Mannan · 1958

Lyricist
M. K. Aathmanathan
Singer
T. V. Rathinam
Music director
M. S. Subbaiah Naidu
Details
Nadodi Mannan1958

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Aah…aaa..paadu pattaAah... aaa... through hard work
Paadu patta thannalaeThrough hard work alone
Palanirukkuthu kai melaeThe fruits of labor are right in your hands
Female
Paadu patta thannalaeThrough hard work alone
Palanirukkuthu kai melaeThe fruits of labor are right in your hands
Thedi varaathu munnalaeIt will not search for you in front
Thirumbi paaru pinnalaeLook back at what lies behind
Paadu patta…Through hard work...
Female
Koodu vittu koodu paayumJumping from one body to another
Kurukku moolaiyalaeWith a clever mind
Kurukku moolaiyalaeWith a clever mind
Koodu vittu koodu paayumJumping from one body to another
Kurukku moolaiyalaeWith a clever mind
Kai koodatha kaariyathaium kootiEven impossible tasks, he accomplishes
Vaikkum balae pulliA brilliant person who makes it happen
Paadu patta..Through hard work...
Female
Paadu patta thannalaeThrough hard work alone
Palanirukkuthu kai melaeThe fruits of labor are right in your hands
Thedi varaathu munnalaeIt will not search for you in front
Thirumbi paaru pinnalaeLook back at what lies behind
Paadu patta…Through hard work...
Female
Kaaya irunthalumEven if it is an unripe fruit
Kaniyakki thimbaaruHe ripens it and eats it
Karumbu polae pesuvaru..He speaks sweet like sugarcane...
Kaaya irunthalumEven if it is an unripe fruit
Kaniyakki thimbaaruHe ripens it and eats it
Karumbu polae pesinalumEven though he speaks sweet like sugarcane
Kaariyathilae kannaai irupparuHe remains laser-focused on his task
RaajangathilaeIn governance
Oru kannaai irupparu raajangathilaeHe keeps a watchful eye on governance
Female
Paadu patta thannalaeThrough hard work alone
Palanirukkuthu kai melaeThe fruits of labor are right in your hands
Thedi varaathu munnalaeIt will not search for you in front
Thirumbi paaru pinnalaeLook back at what lies behind
Paadu patta…Through hard work...
Female
Arumbu meesaikaararuThe man with a budding mustache
Aalu balae sooraruHe is an extremely clever guy
Anjatha nenjam konda veeraruA warrior with a fearless heart
Maha veeraruA great warrior
Arumbu meesaikaararuThe man with a budding mustache
Aalu balae sooraruHe is an extremely clever guy
Anjatha nenjam konda veeraruA warrior with a fearless heart
Female
{Aayasam theeravae aadumTo relieve tiredness, dancing
Ponnu ennaiyae} (2)At me, the girl
Asaiyaama paakuraaruHe gazes without blinking
Kannalae asaiyamae paakuraaruHe stares at me intently with his eyes
Aah..aaa…Aah..aaa...
Female
Paadu patta thannalaeThrough hard work alone
Palanirukkuthu kai melaeThe fruits of labor are right in your hands
Thedi varaathu munnalaeIt will not search for you in front
Thirumbi paaru pinnalaeLook back at what lies behind
Paadu patta…Through hard work...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Paadu Patta Thannalae from the classic 1958 movie Nadodi Mannan is a motivational and narrative song highlighting the rewards of genuine hard work and strategic thinking. The song emphasizes that true success comes from persistent labor rather than fortune just appearing before oneself. It describes a sharp, courageous leader who possesses tactical brilliance, remains devoted to statecraft, and turns challenging situations to his favor. Additionally, the lyric captures a playful performer's perspective as she notices this intense, brave leader being captivated by her dance. The piece seamlessly merges socio-philosophical commentary on hard work with dramatic storytelling typical of MGR's golden era films.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Karumbu polae pesuvaru..

Compares sweet speech to sugarcane using the word 'polae' ('Karumbu polae pesuvaru').

Monai (Alliteration)

Kaaya irunthalum

Repetition of the initial 'K' sound across consecutive words ('Kaaya', 'Kaniyakki', 'Karumbu', 'Kaariyathilae').

Edugai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Paadu patta thannalae

Rhyming of the second letter 'du' in 'Paadu' and 'Koodu' across structural verses.

Metaphor

Kurukku moolaiyalae

'Kurukku moolai' (crooked/sharp brain) is used metaphorically to represent tactical intelligence and sharpness.

Did you know?

Trivia

Nadodi Mannan (1958) was a massive blockbuster produced and directed by M. G. Ramachandran (MGR). The soundtrack was composed by S. M. Subbaiah Naidu and N. S. Balakrishnan, featuring timeless philosophical lyrics characteristic of MGR's onscreen persona.

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