Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Padichukurom

From Sir · 2024

Lyricist
Viveka
Singers
Padmapriya Raghavan, Prarthana Sriram
Music director
Siddhu Kumar
Details
Sir2024

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Paduchikurom paduchikuromWe are studying, we are studying
Padichu inga polachukuromBy studying, we will survive and thrive here
Female
Naalu ezhuthu padichaIf one learns a few basic letters
Nallathu kettathu theriyumOne can distinguish between good and bad
Aayiram varusam IrutuA thousand years of darkness
Thodara koodathuShould not continue anymore
Female
Yedu eduthu padichaaIf you pick up a book and read
Ettu thesaiyum therakkumAll eight directions will open up
Oore thaduthaalumEven if the whole village opposes you
Othunga koodaathuYou must not step aside or back down
Chorus
Thangame nenjam vaadaatheOh precious gold, do not let your heart wither
Oru kaalam varumA better time will surely come
Than kaiya thannikulla vachaalumEven if you submerge your hand in water
Thanni mela varumThe water rises above it
Chorus
Vairame vaanam theinjaalumOh precious diamond, even if the sky fades away
Venum nenjil varamWe need courage and grace in our hearts
Vanthaachu Vaazhnthidathaan poromWe have arrived, and we are going to live well
Yen Kannil EeramWhy is there moisture in my eyes?
Female
Paduchikurom paduchikuromWe are studying, we are studying
Padichu inga polachukuromBy studying, we will survive and thrive here
Female
Vandi imai kai naatuThe child of the person who put thumb impressions
Vachachavan pullaInstead of signatures
Ipo pallikoodam poraanIs now going to school
Puthu paathai yera poraanHe is set to walk on a new path
Female
Kaadu karaiya matumThe child of the one who only knew
Kaththavan pulla ipoFields and farmlands
Pen-aa pudikka PoraanIs now going to hold a pen
Nalla pera edukka poraanAnd earn a good name
Female
Alaithaan karaiyila thavikkumThe wave struggles at the shore
Karaiyum nuraiyaa sirikkumAnd the shore smiles back with foam
Muthalaa jeyikkum varaikum valithaaneUntil you win for the first time, there will be pain
Female
Malaipol malupaai irukumObstacles will stand massive like a mountain
Ethuvum sila naal mayakkamEverything is just an illusion for a few days
Nadanthaa tharayaa KedakkumIf you keep walking, the earth lies beneath your feet
Female
Naalu ezhuthu padichaIf one learns a few basic letters
Nallathu kettathu theriyumOne can distinguish between good and bad
Aayiram varusam IrutuA thousand years of darkness
Thodara koodathuShould not continue anymore
Female
Yedu eduthu padichaaIf you pick up a book and read
Ettu thesaiyum therakkumAll eight directions will open up
Oore thaduthaalumEven if the whole village opposes you
Othunga koodaathuYou must not step aside or back down
Chorus
Thangame nenjam vaadaatheOh precious gold, do not let your heart wither
Oru kaalam varumA better time will surely come
Than kaiya thannikulla vachaalumEven if you submerge your hand in water
Thanni mela varumThe water rises above it
Chorus
Vairame vaanam theinjaalumOh precious diamond, even if the sky fades away
Venum nenjil varamWe need courage and grace in our hearts
Vanthaachu Vaazhnthidathaan poromWe have arrived, and we are going to live well
Yen Kannil EeramWhy is there moisture in my eyes?

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song serves as an empowering anthem celebrating the transformative power of education for historically marginalized rural communities. It depicts the emotional transition of generations, moving from illiterate parents who relied on thumbprint signatures to their children who proudly carry pens to school. The lyrics urge listeners to overcome social obstacles, erase centuries of darkness, and embrace learning as the ultimate path toward self-respect and success.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (First-letter Alliteration)

Paduchikurom paduchikurom / Padichu inga polachukurom

Repetition of the initial sound 'Pa' in 'Paduchikurom' and 'Padichu' creates a strong rhythmic beat that emphasizes the theme of reading/learning.

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Aayiram varusam Irutu

'Aayiram varusam Irutu' (A thousand years of darkness) metaphorically represents generations of systemic illiteracy and socio-economic oppression.

Juxtaposition / Social Contrast

Vandi imai kai naatu... Pen-aa pudikka Poraan

Contrasts the illiterate past represented by thumbprints ('kai naatu') with a progressive future represented by holding a pen ('Pen-aa pudikka Poraan').

Metaphor / Term of Endearment

Thangame nenjam vaadaathe / Vairame vaanam theinjaalum

Addresses the resilient child as 'Thangame' (Gold) and 'Vairame' (Diamond), symbolizing their precious potential and strength.

Did you know?

Trivia

Sir (2024), directed by Bose Venkat and starring Vimal, features music composed by Siddhu Kumar. The song poignantly highlights educational rights in rural Tamil Nadu, echoing real-world social reform movements.

Keep listening

More from Sir