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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Senthamizh Naadenum

From Kamaraj · 2004

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
Singers
Tippu, Minmini
Music director
Ilayaraja
Movie name
Kamaraj
Movie release year
2004
Lyrics added on
29 Mar 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Kalvi sirandha thamizh naadu
Pugazh kamban pirandha thamizh naadu
Nalla pal vidhamaana saathirathin
Manam paarengum veesum thamizh naadu
Unarvinilae uyar naadu
Innal vandhutridum podhagarkkanjom
Yaezhaiyar aagiyae ee mannil thunjom
Thannalam paenum izhit thozhil illai
Thaai thirunaattukku eedengum illoai
Therkkil irundhae vandhavanae
Indha dhaesathirkkae thannai thandhu vittaan
Engum thannalam illaa thalaivanai pol
Innaadu ennaalum kandidumo
Naadu enna thavam seidhadhuvo
Enna thavam seidhadhuvo
The Tamil land, renowned for its learning,
The Tamil land where the famous poet Kamban was born,
Where the rich wisdom of diverse fields of knowledge
Spreads its fragrance across the whole world,
A land held high in noble spirit!
We shall not fear when hardships come,
We will not perish as helpless paupers on this soil,
We harbor no vile trade of selfish greed,
Nothing anywhere can equal our sacred motherland!
He who came from the south,
Dedicated his very life to this nation.
Like this leader without a trace of selfishness,
Will this country ever see another?
What penance did this land perform,
Oh, what penance did it perform?
Female
Female
Chorus
Chorus
Chorus
Male
Male
Male
Chorus

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This patriotic song pays tribute to the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu and celebrates the selfless leadership of K. Kamaraj. It highlights Tamil Nadu as a cradle of wisdom, literature, and courage, where people value noble ideals above self-interest and fearlessness in the face of adversity. The second half shifts focus specifically to Kamaraj, the iconic leader from the South who sacrificed his personal life for the country's welfare. The song concludes in awe, wondering what immense penance the nation must have performed to be blessed with such an unselfish and dedicated leader.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Epiphora (End Repetition)

Kalvi sirandha thamizh naadu / Pugazh kamban pirandha thamizh naadu

The phrase 'thamizh naadu' is repeated at the end of multiple lines to reinforce pride in the Tamil nation.

Metaphor

Nalla pal vidhamaana saathirathin / Manam paarengum veesum thamizh naadu

The wisdom of Tamil scriptures is metaphorically compared to a fragrance ('manam') wafting across the world.

Rhetorical Question

Naadu enna thavam seidhadhuvo / Enna thavam seidhadhuvo

A rhetorical question asking what penance the land did, emphasizing the rare blessing of having a selfless leader like Kamaraj.

Did you know?

Trivia

The lyrics blend verses inspired by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar's classic patriotic poetry ('Senthamizh Naadenum Podhinile') with customized lines honoring former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, K. Kamaraj, for his biographical movie released in 2004.

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