Thaiyarae Thaiyarae
From Vaathiyaar Veettu Pillai · 1989
- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singer
- Malaysia Vasudevan
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Vaathiyaar Veettu Pillai1989
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Male | |
| Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa) |
| Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae) |
| Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa) |
| Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae) |
| Male | |
| Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa) |
| Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa) |
| Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa) |
| Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa) |
| Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa) |
| Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae) |
| Male | |
| Thaiyarae thaiyaarae | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae) |
| Boatu mala yaarae potta pulla yaarae hoi | Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot? |
| Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae | What is said is one thing, what is done is another |
| Vaiyuradhu yaarae hoi | Who is the one scolding? Hoi! |
| Male | |
| Aajaarae aajaarae hoi | Come on, come on! Hoi! |
| Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae | The teacher has won the grand prize! |
| Aajaarae aajaarae hoi | Come on, come on! Hoi! |
| Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae | The teacher has won the grand prize! |
| Male | |
| Thaiyarae thaiyaarae | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae) |
| Boatu mala yaarae potta pulla yaarae hoi | Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot? |
| Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae | What is said is one thing, what is done is another |
| Vaiyuradhu yaarae hoi | Who is the one scolding? Hoi! |
| Male | |
| Aathu mela odam | A boat floating upon the river |
| Ada adhukku mela baaram | And a heavy load placed upon it |
| Aathukkoru vegam vandhaa | If the river gathers speed |
| Pora vazhi maarum | The path taken will change direction |
| Veettu pakkam vaarom | We are coming toward your house |
| Nalla vellarikkaa chaaram | With delicious cucumber juice |
| Vellarikkaa pudikkalana vella paniyaaram | If you do not like cucumber, we have white sweet dish |
| Male | |
| Ammaadi ponnukku ennadi veeram | Oh dear girl, what immense valor you display! |
| Annaadam kaatchikku jivvunnu yerum | For the daily scene, the excitement rises sharply! |
| Raani mangammaa raajaa engammaa | Is it Queen Mangamma, or where is our king? |
| Veettil un pecha keppaanammaa | At home, everyone listens to your word, mother! |
| Jaathi rendamma naattil undammaa | There are only two castes in this nation, dear mother |
| Vaeli ingaedhum illai ammaa | There is no separating fence here, mother! |
| Katturadhu yaeru ootturadhu soru | Tying the bull to plow and feeding food to all |
| Ingedhukku thagaraaru | Why create disputes here? |
| Male | |
| Hey thaiyarae thaiyaarae | Hey rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae) |
| Boatu mala yaarae potta pulla yaarae hoi | Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot? |
| Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae | What is said is one thing, what is done is another |
| Vaiyuradhu yaarae hoi | Who is the one scolding? Hoi! |
| Male | |
| Aajaarae aajaarae hoi | Come on, come on! Hoi! |
| Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae ha ha haa | The teacher has won the grand prize! Ha ha ha! |
| Aajaarae aajaarae hoi | Come on, come on! Hoi! |
| Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae…eh | The teacher has won the grand prize! |
| Male | |
| Vaazhai adi vaazha | Generation after generation |
| Naangha ezhai adi ezhai | We may be poor generation after generation |
| Ezhaigalaa irundhaalum | Even though we are poor people |
| Naanga kozhai illa kozha | We are certainly not cowards! |
| Male | |
| Naalai ennum naala | The day called tomorrow |
| Adhu nambugira vaela | That is the time we place our trust in |
| Nallavanga kaiyiladhaan | Right into the hands of good people |
| Vaangiduvom maala | We will accept the victorious garland |
| Male | |
| Vaathiyaaru pulla naan | I am the teacher's child |
| Ullam thaan vella | My heart is pure white as milk |
| Vambukku vandhuttaa thollaiyo tholla | If anyone looking for trouble approaches, it will be endless trouble! |
| Ooru en veedu ullam anbodu | This entire village is my home, filled with love |
| Ulagam ellaamum en sondham undu | The entire world belongs to me as my family |
| Paasam panbodu palarum ennodu | With affection and virtue, many stand with me |
| Pagirndhu thaan unnum bandham undu | We share our meal together in harmony |
| Vella mudiyaadhu killa mudiyaadhu | You cannot defeat us, nor can you pinch us |
| Thalli ninnu paaru hoi | Stand at a distance and just watch! |
| Male | |
| Hey thaiyarae thaiyaarae | Hey rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae) |
| Boatu mala yaarae potta pulla yaarae hoi | Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot? |
| Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae | What is said is one thing, what is done is another |
| Vaiyuradhu yaarae hoi | Who is the one scolding? Hoi! |
| Male | |
| Aajaarae aajaarae hoi | Come on, come on! Hoi! |
| Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae | The teacher has won the grand prize! |
| Aajaarae aajaarae hoi | Come on, come on! Hoi! |
| Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae thai thai thai | The teacher has won the grand prize! Thai thai thai |
| Male | |
| Thaiyarae thaiyaarae | Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae) |
| Boatu mala yaarae potta pulla yaarae hoi | Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot? |
| Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae | What is said is one thing, what is done is another |
| Vaiyuradhu yaarae hoi | Who is the one scolding? Hoi! |
தையரே தையரே தையா
தையரே தையரே தையா ரே
தையரே தையரே தையா
தையரே தையரே தையா ரே
தையரே தையரே தையா
தையரே தையரே தையா....
தையரே தையரே தையா....
தையரே தையரே தையா ரே
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae)
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae)
தையர தையாரே
போட்டு மேல யாரே
பொட்ட புள்ள யாரே ஹோ
சொல்லுறது வேறே செய்யுறது வேறே
வையுறதே யாரே ஹோய்
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae)
ஆஜாரே ஆஜாரே ஹோய்
பிரைஸ்சு அடிச்சாரே வாத்தியாரே
ஆஜாரே ஆஜாரே ஹோய்
பிரைஸ்சு அடிச்சாரே வாத்தியாரே ஹே
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae)
Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot?
What is said is one thing, what is done is another
Who is the one scolding? Hoi!
தையர தையாரே
போட்டு மேல யாரே
பொட்ட புள்ள யாரே ஹோ
சொல்லுறது வேறே செய்யுறது வேறே
வையுறதே யாரே ஹோய்
Come on, come on! Hoi!
The teacher has won the grand prize!
Come on, come on! Hoi!
The teacher has won the grand prize!
ஆத்து மேல ஓடம்
அட அதுக்கு மேல பாரம்
ஆத்துக்கொரு வேகம் வந்தா
போர வழி மாறும்
வீட்டு பக்கம் வாரோம்
நல்ல வெள்ளரிக்கா தாரோம்
வெள்ளரிக்கா புடிக்கலைன்னா
வெள்ளை பணியாரம்
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae)
Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot?
What is said is one thing, what is done is another
Who is the one scolding? Hoi!
அம்மாடி பொண்ணுக்கு
என்னடி வீரம்
அன்னாடம் காய்ச்சிக்கு
ஜிவ்வுன்னு ஏறும்
ராணி மங்கம்மா ராஜா எங்கம்மா
வீட்டில் உன் பேச்ச கேப்பானம்மா
A boat floating upon the river
And a heavy load placed upon it
If the river gathers speed
The path taken will change direction
We are coming toward your house
With delicious cucumber juice
If you do not like cucumber, we have white sweet dish
ஜாதி ரெண்டம்மா
நாட்டில் உண்டம்மா
வேலி இங்கேதும் இல்லை அம்மா
கட்டுறது ஏறு ஊட்டுறது சோறு
இங்கெதுக்கு தகராறு
Oh dear girl, what immense valor you display!
For the daily scene, the excitement rises sharply!
Is it Queen Mangamma, or where is our king?
At home, everyone listens to your word, mother!
There are only two castes in this nation, dear mother
There is no separating fence here, mother!
Tying the bull to plow and feeding food to all
Why create disputes here?
ஹே தையர தையாரே
போட்டு மேல யாரே
பொட்ட புள்ள யாரே ஹோ
சொல்லுறது வேறே செய்யுறது வேறே
வையுறதே யாரே ஹோய்
Hey rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae)
Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot?
What is said is one thing, what is done is another
Who is the one scolding? Hoi!
ஆஜாரே ஆஜாரே ஹோய்
பிரைஸ்சு அடிச்சாரே வாத்தியாரே
ஆஜாரே ஆஜாரே ஹோய்
பிரைஸ்சு அடிச்சாரே வாத்தியாரே ஹே
Come on, come on! Hoi!
The teacher has won the grand prize! Ha ha ha!
Come on, come on! Hoi!
The teacher has won the grand prize!
வாழை அடி வாழை
நாங்க ஏழை அடி ஏழை
ஏழைகளா இருந்தாலும்
கோழை இல்ல கோழை
நாளை என்னும் நாள
அது நம்புகிற வேல
நல்லவங்க கையிலதான்
வாங்கிடுவோம் மாலை
Generation after generation
We may be poor generation after generation
Even though we are poor people
We are certainly not cowards!
வாத்தியாரு புள்ள நான்
உள்ளம்தான் வெள்ளை
வம்புக்கு வந்துட்டா
தொல்லையோ தொல்ல
ஊரு என் வீடு
உள்ளம் அன்போடு
உலகம் எல்லாம்
என் சொந்தம் உண்டு
The day called tomorrow
That is the time we place our trust in
Right into the hands of good people
We will accept the victorious garland
பாசம் பண்போடு
பலரும் என்னோடு
பகிர்ந்து தான் உண்ணும்
பந்தம் உண்டு
வெல்ல முடியாது
கிள்ள முடியாது
தள்ளி நின்னு பாரு ஹோய்.....
I am the teacher's child
My heart is pure white as milk
If anyone looking for trouble approaches, it will be endless trouble!
This entire village is my home, filled with love
The entire world belongs to me as my family
With affection and virtue, many stand with me
We share our meal together in harmony
You cannot defeat us, nor can you pinch us
Stand at a distance and just watch!
தையர தையாரே
போட் மேல யாரே
பொட்ட புள்ள யாரே ஹோ
சொல்லுறது வேறே செய்யுறது வேறே
வையுறதே யாரே ஹோய்
Hey rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae)
Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot?
What is said is one thing, what is done is another
Who is the one scolding? Hoi!
ஆஜாரே ஆஜாரே ஹோய்
பிரைஸ்சு அடிச்சாரே வாத்தியாரே
ஆஜாரே ஆஜாரே ஹோய்
பிரைஸ்சு அடிச்சாரே வாத்தியாரே ஹே
ஹேய் ஹேய்
Come on, come on! Hoi!
The teacher has won the grand prize!
Come on, come on! Hoi!
The teacher has won the grand prize! Thai thai thai
தையர தையாரே
போட் மேல யாரே
பொட்ட புள்ள யாரே ஹோ
சொல்லுறது வேறே செய்யுறது வேறே
வையுறதே யாரே ஹோய்
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae)
Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot?
What is said is one thing, what is done is another
Who is the one scolding? Hoi!
Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae)
Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae)
Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa)
Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyarae thaiyaa rae)
Thaiyarae thaiyaarae
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae)
Boatu mala yaarae potta pulla yaarae hoi
Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot?
Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae
What is said is one thing, what is done is another
Vaiyuradhu yaarae hoi
Who is the one scolding? Hoi!
Aajaarae aajaarae hoi
Come on, come on! Hoi!
Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae
The teacher has won the grand prize!
Aajaarae aajaarae hoi
Come on, come on! Hoi!
Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae
The teacher has won the grand prize!
Thaiyarae thaiyaarae
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae)
Boatu mala yaarae potta pulla yaarae hoi
Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot?
Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae
What is said is one thing, what is done is another
Vaiyuradhu yaarae hoi
Who is the one scolding? Hoi!
Aathu mela odam
A boat floating upon the river
Ada adhukku mela baaram
And a heavy load placed upon it
Aathukkoru vegam vandhaa
If the river gathers speed
Pora vazhi maarum
The path taken will change direction
Veettu pakkam vaarom
We are coming toward your house
Nalla vellarikkaa chaaram
With delicious cucumber juice
Vellarikkaa pudikkalana vella paniyaaram
If you do not like cucumber, we have white sweet dish
Ammaadi ponnukku ennadi veeram
Oh dear girl, what immense valor you display!
Annaadam kaatchikku jivvunnu yerum
For the daily scene, the excitement rises sharply!
Raani mangammaa raajaa engammaa
Is it Queen Mangamma, or where is our king?
Veettil un pecha keppaanammaa
At home, everyone listens to your word, mother!
Jaathi rendamma naattil undammaa
There are only two castes in this nation, dear mother
Vaeli ingaedhum illai ammaa
There is no separating fence here, mother!
Katturadhu yaeru ootturadhu soru
Tying the bull to plow and feeding food to all
Ingedhukku thagaraaru
Why create disputes here?
Hey thaiyarae thaiyaarae
Hey rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae)
Boatu mala yaarae potta pulla yaarae hoi
Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot?
Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae
What is said is one thing, what is done is another
Vaiyuradhu yaarae hoi
Who is the one scolding? Hoi!
Aajaarae aajaarae hoi
Come on, come on! Hoi!
Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae ha ha haa
The teacher has won the grand prize! Ha ha ha!
Aajaarae aajaarae hoi
Come on, come on! Hoi!
Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae…eh
The teacher has won the grand prize!
Vaazhai adi vaazha
Generation after generation
Naangha ezhai adi ezhai
We may be poor generation after generation
Ezhaigalaa irundhaalum
Even though we are poor people
Naanga kozhai illa kozha
We are certainly not cowards!
Naalai ennum naala
The day called tomorrow
Adhu nambugira vaela
That is the time we place our trust in
Nallavanga kaiyiladhaan
Right into the hands of good people
Vaangiduvom maala
We will accept the victorious garland
Vaathiyaaru pulla naan
I am the teacher's child
Ullam thaan vella
My heart is pure white as milk
Vambukku vandhuttaa thollaiyo tholla
If anyone looking for trouble approaches, it will be endless trouble!
Ooru en veedu ullam anbodu
This entire village is my home, filled with love
Ulagam ellaamum en sondham undu
The entire world belongs to me as my family
Paasam panbodu palarum ennodu
With affection and virtue, many stand with me
Pagirndhu thaan unnum bandham undu
We share our meal together in harmony
Vella mudiyaadhu killa mudiyaadhu
You cannot defeat us, nor can you pinch us
Thalli ninnu paaru hoi
Stand at a distance and just watch!
Hey thaiyarae thaiyaarae
Hey rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae)
Boatu mala yaarae potta pulla yaarae hoi
Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot?
Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae
What is said is one thing, what is done is another
Vaiyuradhu yaarae hoi
Who is the one scolding? Hoi!
Aajaarae aajaarae hoi
Come on, come on! Hoi!
Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae
The teacher has won the grand prize!
Aajaarae aajaarae hoi
Come on, come on! Hoi!
Prize-u adichaarae vaathiyaarae thai thai thai
The teacher has won the grand prize! Thai thai thai
Thaiyarae thaiyaarae
Rhythmic folk chant (Thaiyarae thaiyaarae)
Boatu mala yaarae potta pulla yaarae hoi
Who is that on the boat? Who is that girl with the spot?
Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae
What is said is one thing, what is done is another
Vaiyuradhu yaarae hoi
Who is the one scolding? Hoi!
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This energetic folk track from Vaathiyaar Veettu Pillai celebrates community, moral integrity, resilience, and unity in rural Tamil Nadu. Using traditional rhythmic refrains like 'Thaiyarae' and boat metaphors, the song praises the protagonist as a principled child of a revered school teacher ('Vaathiyaaru pulla'). The lyricist contrasts superficial hypocrisy ('Solluradhu verae seiyuradhu verae') with true virtue, emphasizing that despite economic hardship, the villagers are far from cowardly.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second letter rhyming)
“Aathu mela odam / Ada adhukku mela baaram”
Matching second consonant sounds across lines, such as 'Aathu' (river) and 'Ada' / 'Veettu' / 'Vellarikkaa' creating melodic harmony.
Monae (First letter alliteration)
“Vaazhai adi vaazha / Naangha ezhai adi ezhai”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'Vaazhai' and 'Naangha' / 'Ezhaigalaa' / 'Kozhai'.
Metaphor (Uvamaani / Uvameyam)
“Aathu mela odam / Ada adhukku mela baaram / Aathukkoru vegam vandhaa / Pora vazhi maarum”
Comparing life's changing circumstances and burdens to a boat sailing on a fast-flowing river.
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Trivia
Vaathiyaar Veettu Pillai (1989) stars Sathyaraj and Shobana. The film features music composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with Gangai Amaran contributing as a lyricist for this upbeat folk celebration.
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