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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Senthamizh Naadenum

From Kamaraj · 2004

Lyricist
Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathiyaar
Singers
Tippu, Minmini
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Kamaraj2004

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kalvi sirandha thamizh naaduTamil land, supreme in education.
Pugazh kamban pirandha thamizh naaduTamil land, where the renowned poet Kamban was born.
Female
Nalla pal vidhamaana saathirathinA land whose good and diverse scriptures
Manam paarengum veesum thamizh naaduSpread their fragrance across the entire world, Tamil land.
Chorus
Unarvinilae uyar naaduA noble land elevated in deep emotions.
Chorus
Innal vandhutridum podhagarkkanjomWe shall not fear even when troubles strike us.
Yaezhaiyar aagiyae ee mannil thunjomEven if reduced to poverty, we will not bow down on this earth.
Chorus
Thannalam paenum izhit thozhil illaiWe do not indulge in the despicable trade of self-interest.
Thaai thirunaattukku eedengum illoaiThere is no equal anywhere to our sacred motherland.
Male
Therkkil irundhae vandhavanaeOh, the great one who came from the South!
Male
Indha dhaesathirkkae thannai thandhu vittaanHe dedicated his entire self to this nation.
Male
Engum thannalam illaa thalaivanai polLike a leader devoid of selfishness anywhere,
Innaadu ennaalum kandidumoWill this country ever see such a soul again?
Chorus
Naadu enna thavam seidhadhuvoWhat penance did this land perform?
Enna thavam seidhadhuvoOh, what penance did it perform!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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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