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Isaimozhi
Tharaasu album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Sinthanai Thondri Arivu

From Tharaasu · 1984

Lyricist
Puratchi Dasan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Movie name
Tharaasu
Movie release year
1984
Lyrics added on
9 Feb 2023

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Sinthanai thondri arivu valaranthathu
Indralla netralla
Thannai thiruthik kollaamal yedho vaazhunthavargal
Ondralla rendalla…
Sinthanai thondri arivu valaranthathu
Indralla netralla
Thannai thiruthik kollaamal yedho vaazhunthavargal
Ondralla rendalla…
Thannai thiruthik kollaamal yedho vaazhunthavargal
Ondralla rendalla…
Ullagam manidhan endru vinyanam kandavargal
Oppatra saathanai purindhu vittaar
Oozh vinaiyum payanum endru kallaaga nindravargal
Ondrukum udhavaamal vaazhunthu vittaar
Oozh vinaiyum payanum endru kallaaga nindravargal
Ondrukum udhavaamal vaazhunthu vittaar
Sinthanai thondri arivu valaranthathu
Indralla netralla
Thannai thiruthik kollaamal yedho vaazhunthavargal
Ondralla rendalla…
Thittam seyal endru vaazha thunidhavargal
Selva sezhippodu uyaranthuvittaar
Ettaatha nilamaiku kottaavi vittavargal
Iravilum thoongaamal vizhiththuvitaar….
Ettaatha nilamaiku kottaavi vittavargal
Iravilum thoongaamal vizhiththuvitaar….
Sinthanai thondri arivu valaranthathu
Indralla netralla
Thannai thiruthik kollaamal yedho vaazhunthavargal
Ondralla rendalla…
Katchi kolgai endru medaiku vanthavargal
Kaatrilae latchiyathai paraka vittaar
Katchi kolgai endru medaiku vanthavargal
Kaatrilae latchiyathai paraka vittaar
Kadamai ozhungu endru nambi vaazhnthavargal
Kaneeril vaazhvai mithakkavitar
Kaneeril vaazhvai mithakkavitar
Sinthanai thondri arivu valaranthathu
Indralla netralla
Thannai thiruthik kollaamal yedho vaazhunthavargal
Ondralla rendalla…
Thannai thiruthik kollaamal yedho vaazhunthavargal
Ondralla rendalla…
Thought emerged and wisdom grew,
Not just today or yesterday.
Those who lived aimlessly without improving themselves
Are not just one or two...
Thought emerged and wisdom grew,
Not just today or yesterday.
Those who lived aimlessly without improving themselves
Are not just one or two...
Those who lived aimlessly without improving themselves
Are not just one or two...
Those who pursued science for humanity and the world
Achieved matchless milestones.
Those who stood like stones, blaming fate and destiny,
Lived completely useless lives...
Those who stood like stones, blaming fate and destiny,
Lived completely useless lives...
Thought emerged and wisdom grew,
Not just today or yesterday.
Those who lived aimlessly without improving themselves
Are not just one or two...
Those who dared to live with plans and action
Rose high in wealth and prosperity.
Those who merely yawned at goals they couldn't reach
Stayed awake and restless through the night...
Those who merely yawned at goals they couldn't reach
Stayed awake and restless through the night...
Thought emerged and wisdom grew,
Not just today or yesterday.
Those who lived aimlessly without improving themselves
Are not just one or two...
Those who took the stage preaching party and principles
Let their ideals blow away in the wind.
Those who took the stage preaching party and principles
Let their ideals blow away in the wind.
Those who lived trusting in duty and discipline
Let their lives drift in tears...
Let their lives drift in tears...
Thought emerged and wisdom grew,
Not just today or yesterday.
Those who lived aimlessly without improving themselves
Are not just one or two...
Those who lived aimlessly without improving themselves
Are not just one or two...
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This philosophical and reformist song explores the evolution of human rationality and contrasts active progressivism with passive fatalism. The song highlights that human intellect evolved ages ago, yet a majority of people fail to reflect on themselves or take action to improve their lives. It contrasts scientific thinkers who achieve greatness through action with superstitious people who remain idle believing in karma and fate. Furthermore, the lyricist delivers a sharp social critique of opportunistic politicians who abandon their principles once on stage, juxtaposed against honest citizens who adhere strictly to duty only to end up suffering in tears.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyming)

Indralla netralla / Ondralla rendalla…

Repetition of the second letter 'ndr' across corresponding lines creates rhythmic harmony.

Moonaay (Alliteration)

Thannai thiruthik kollaamal yedho vaazhunthavargal

Repetition of the 'Th' initial sound across the phrase.

Simile / Metaphor

Oozh vinaiyum payanum endru kallaaga nindravargal

Comparing fatalistic, unmoving people to rigid stones ('kallaaga').

Antithesis / Contrast

Ullagam manidhan endru vinyanam kandavargal vs Oozh vinaiyum payanum endru kallaaga nindravargal

Contrasting active scientific achievers with passive fatalistic individuals.

Did you know?

Trivia

Featured in the movie 'Tharaasu' (1984), this powerful track composed by M. S. Viswanathan and sung by legendary vocalist T. M. Soundararajan carries the distinct socio-political commentary written by lyricist Puratchi Dasan, emphasizing Dravidian reformist and rationalist ideologies.

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