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Annaiyum Pithavum album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Sathiyama Naan

From Annaiyum Pithavum · 1969

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Movie name
Annaiyum Pithavum
Movie release year
1969
Lyrics added on
8 Jun 2025

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Sathiyama nan solluvathellaam thathuvam
Thathuvamaa naan solluvathellaam sathiyam
Sathiyama nan solluvathellaam thathuvam
Thathuvamaa naan solluvathellaam sathiyam
En jaan udambil oru jaan vayirae sathiyam
En jaan udambil oru jaan vayirae sathiyam
Oru jaan vayiraal en saan udambae thathuvam
Sathiyama nan solluvathellaam thathuvam
Thathuvamaa naan solluvathellaam sathiyam
Nallavarullam thedum bodhu naanayam seraadhu
Naanayam vandhaal adharkkum kooda naanayam irukkadhu
Ullathil thangam undu thangathil ullam illai
Ullathai ingae vaithaan thangathai engae vaithaan
Sathiyama nan solluvathellaam thathuvam
Thathuvamaa naan solluvathellaam sathiyam
Kaalam arindhu neram arindhu kadavul tharugindraan
Kaalam arindhu neram arindhu kadavul tharugindraan
Kanniyam nermai paaradhae enakkattalai idukkindraan
Achaana nottai kandaal machaanum maamanum undu
Achaana nottai kandaal machaanum maamanum undu
Ippodhu naanae raaja en pinnae aayiram kooja
Sathiyama nan solluvathellaam thathuvam
Thathuvamaa naan solluvathellaam sathiyam
En jaan udambil oru jaan vayirae sathiyam
Oru jaan vayiraal en saan udambae thathuvam
Sathiyama nan solluvathellaam thathuvam
Thathuvamaa naan solluvathellaam sathiyam
I swear, everything I say is philosophy.
As philosophy, everything I say is the truth!
I swear, everything I say is philosophy.
As philosophy, everything I say is the truth!
In an eight-span body, a one-span belly is the only truth.
In an eight-span body, a one-span belly is the only truth.
Because of this one-span belly, the whole eight-span body is a philosophy!
I swear, everything I say is philosophy.
As philosophy, everything I say is the truth!
When a good heart searches for it, money never gathers.
And when money does arrive, even that money has no integrity!
There is gold in the heart, but no heart in gold.
He placed our true heart right here, but where did He hide the gold?
I swear, everything I say is philosophy.
As philosophy, everything I say is the truth!
Knowing the right time and moment, God gives.
Knowing the right time and moment, God gives.
He commands, "Do not look for dignity or honesty!"
When they see printed currency notes, brothers-in-law and uncles suddenly appear.
When they see printed currency notes, brothers-in-law and uncles suddenly appear.
Now I am the king, and a thousand flatterers follow behind me!
I swear, everything I say is philosophy.
Oh man, as philosophy, everything I say is the truth!
In an eight-span body, a one-span belly is the only truth.
Because of this one-span belly, the whole eight-span body is a philosophy!
I swear, everything I say is philosophy.
Oh sir, as philosophy, everything I say is the truth!
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This song is a satirical and deeply philosophical commentary on human existence, hunger, wealth, and societal hypocrisy. Written by the legendary lyricist Kannadasan, it centers on the Tamil proverb concept of 'En saan udambuku sirassu pradhaanam' and 'Oru jaan vayiru' (the one-span belly driving the eight-span body), illustrating how basic physical needs dictate human actions and survival.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Sledai / Pun

“Naanayam vandhaal adharkkum kooda naanayam irukkadhu”

The word 'Naanayam' is cleverly used with a double meaning: 'coins/currency' and 'honesty/integrity'.

Antimetabole / Chiasmus

“Ullathil thangam undu thangathil ullam illai”

Inversion of words in successive clauses to create philosophical emphasis.

Antimetabole / Inversion

“Sathiyama nan solluvathellaam thathuvam / Thathuvamaa naan solluvathellaam sathiyam”

Interchanging 'Sathiyam' (Truth) and 'Thathuvam' (Philosophy) across consecutive lines.

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

“Ippodhu naanae raaja en pinnae aayiram kooja”

Rhyming ends of phrases to create a catchy rhythm.

Did you know?

Trivia

Kannadasan frequently used wordplay involving 'Naanayam' across his discography to critique commercialism versus moral integrity. Sung dynamically by T. M. Soundarajan, this composition by M. S. Vishwanathan blends humor with street-smart wisdom.

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