Thendralum Maruthu
From Valmiki · 2009
- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Singer
- Shreya Ghoshal
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Details
- Valmiki2009
Lyrics & meaning
| ♫ Tanglish lyrics | ↻ English translation |
|---|---|
| Female | |
| Inky pinky ponky | Inky pinky ponky |
| Father had a donkey | Father had a donkey |
| Chorus | |
| Inky pinky ponky | Inky pinky ponky |
| Father had a donkey | Father had a donkey |
| Female | |
| Donkey died | Donkey died |
| Chorus :Donkey died | Chorus :Donkey died |
| Female :Father cried | Female :Father cried |
| Chorus :Father cried | Chorus :Father cried |
| Female & Chorus : | Female & Chorus : |
| Inky pinky ponky | Inky pinky ponky |
| Father had a donkey | Father had a donkey |
| Female | |
| Thendralum maarudhu | Even the gentle breeze changes |
| Thingalum maarudhu | Even the moon changes |
| Unnidam maatramum vandhidum | Change will surely come to you as well |
| Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha | Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird |
| Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum | The day will come when it announces this news |
| Female | |
| Thendralum maarudhu | Even the gentle breeze changes |
| Thingalum maarudhu | Even the moon changes |
| Unnidam maatramum vandhidum | Change will surely come to you as well |
| Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha | Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird |
| Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum | The day will come when it announces this news |
| Female | |
| Idhu naanaai maatruvadhaa | Should I change this myself? |
| Illai thaanaai maaruvadhaa | Or will it change on its own? |
| Poo poovaai thaalaattum kaatrae nee sollu | Oh wind that lulls flower by flower, you tell me |
| Un paattaalae ellaarkkum nambikkai oottu | Instill hope in everyone through your song |
| Female | |
| Thendralum maarudhu | Even the gentle breeze changes |
| Thingalum maarudhu | Even the moon changes |
| Unnidam maatramum vandhidum | Change will surely come to you as well |
| Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha | Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird |
| Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum | The day will come when it announces this news |
| Female | |
| Yaaraalae yaar yaarkku | By whom and for whom |
| Maatrangal undaagum | Will changes occur? |
| Nilam polae neerottam | Just like the landscape, the flow of water |
| Aatrukkum undaagum | Also occurs for a river |
| Female | |
| Yaaraalae yaar yaarkku | By whom and for whom |
| Maatrangal undaagum | Will changes occur? |
| Nilam polae neerottam | Just like the landscape, the flow of water |
| Aatrukkum undaagum | Also occurs for a river |
| Female | |
| Nadhi polae un vaazhkkai | Like a river, let your life |
| Nandraaga odattum | Flow gracefully and well |
| Nambikkai dheepangal | Let the lamps of hope |
| Azhagaaga aadattum | Dance beautifully |
| Sippikkullae muthu | A pearl inside an oyster |
| Adhai neeril moozhgi thaedu | Search for it by diving into the water |
| Vetrikkum or vithu | A seed for success too |
| Adhai ullae moozhgi thaedu | Search for it by diving within yourself |
| Female | |
| Kandaal podhaadhu | Just finding it is not enough |
| Adhai kaniyaai nee maatru | You must transform it into fruit |
| Nee summaa irundhaal edhuvum ingu | If you sit idle, nothing here |
| Thaanaai nadakkaadhae | Will happen automatically on its own |
| Female | |
| Thendralum maarudhu | Even the gentle breeze changes |
| Thingalum maarudhu | Even the moon changes |
| Unnidam maatramum vandhidum | Change will surely come to you as well |
| Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha | Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird |
| Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum | The day will come when it announces this news |
| Female | |
| Kili vandhu pazham kothum | Where parrots come and peck at fruits |
| Maanthottam nee podu | Plant a mango orchard |
| Anil konji vilaiyaadum | Where squirrels caress and play |
| Poo pandhal nee podu | Build a canopy of flowers |
| Female | |
| Kili vandhu pazham kothum | Where parrots come and peck at fruits |
| Maanthottam nee podu | Plant a mango orchard |
| Anil konji vilaiyaadum | Where squirrels caress and play |
| Poo pandhal nee podu | Build a canopy of flowers |
| Female | |
| Pirai endru ennaadhae | Do not consider yourself just a crescent moon |
| Muzhu nilavaai nee varuvaai | You will shine as a full moon |
| Siru vidhaiyaai irundhaalum | Even if you are a tiny seed |
| Aal pol nizhal tharuvaai | You will give shade like a banyan tree |
| Female | |
| Kuthum kaiyil sirpam | A sculpture in the sculptor's hands |
| Uli kutha kutha thondrum | Emerges as the chisel strikes again and again |
| Unnai sirpam aakku | Shape yourself into a fine sculpture |
| Oru vetru kallaa neeyum | Rather than remaining a mere empty stone |
| Ellaam kai koodum | Everything will come together |
| Un ennam niraivaerum | Your dreams will be fulfilled |
| Vidi vaanil thondrum oli meengal | The glowing stars appearing in the dawn sky |
| Vaazhtthukkal sollum | Will convey their best wishes |
| Female | |
| Thendralum maarudhu | Even the gentle breeze changes |
| Thingalum maarudhu | Even the moon changes |
| Unnidam maatramum vandhidum | Change will surely come to you as well |
| Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha | Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird |
| Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum | The day will come when it announces this news |
| Female | |
| Idhu naanaai maatruvadhaa | Should I change this myself? |
| Illai thaanaai maaruvadhaa | Or will it change on its own? |
| Poo poovaai thaalaattum kaatrae nee sollu | Oh wind that lulls flower by flower, you tell me |
| Un paattaalae ellaarkkum nambikkai oottu | Instill hope in everyone through your song |
| Female | |
| Thendralum maarudhu | Even the gentle breeze changes |
| Thingalum maarudhu | Even the moon changes |
| Unnidam maatramum vandhidum | Change will surely come to you as well |
| Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha | Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird |
| Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum | The day will come when it announces this news |
தென்றலும் மாறுது
திங்களும் மாறுது
உன்னிடம் மாற்றமும் வந்திடும்
சின்ன மணிக் குயில்
மந்திரம் போல் அந்த சேதியை
சொல்லிடும் நாள் வரும்
Inky pinky ponky
Father had a donkey
தென்றலும் மாறுது
திங்களும் மாறுது
உன்னிடம் மாற்றமும் வந்திடும்
சின்ன மணிக் குயில்
மந்திரம் போல் அந்த சேதியை
சொல்லிடும் நாள் வரும்
Inky pinky ponky
Father had a donkey
இது நானாய் மாற்றுவதா
இல்லை தானாய் மாறுவதா
பூப் பூவாய் தாலாட்டும்
காற்றே நீ சொல்லு
உன் பாட்டாலே எல்லார்க்கும்
நம்பிக்கை ஊட்டு
Donkey died
Chorus :Donkey died
Female :Father cried
Chorus :Father cried
Female & Chorus :
Inky pinky ponky
Father had a donkey
தென்றலும் மாறுது
திங்களும் மாறுது
உன்னிடம் மாற்றமும் வந்திடும்
சின்ன மணிக் குயில்
மந்திரம் போல் அந்த சேதியை
சொல்லிடும் நாள் வரும்
Even the gentle breeze changes
Even the moon changes
Change will surely come to you as well
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
The day will come when it announces this news
யாராலே யார் யார்க்கு
மாற்றங்கள் உண்டாகும்
நிலம் போலே நீரோட்டம்
ஆற்றுக்கும் உண்டாகும்
Even the gentle breeze changes
Even the moon changes
Change will surely come to you as well
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
The day will come when it announces this news
யாராலே யார் யார்க்கு
மாற்றங்கள் உண்டாகும்
நிலம் போலே நீரோட்டம்
ஆற்றுக்கும் உண்டாகும்
Should I change this myself?
Or will it change on its own?
Oh wind that lulls flower by flower, you tell me
Instill hope in everyone through your song
நதி போலே உன் வாழ்க்கை
நன்றாக ஓடட்டும்
நம்பிக்கை தீபங்கள்
அழகாக ஆடட்டும்
Even the gentle breeze changes
Even the moon changes
Change will surely come to you as well
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
The day will come when it announces this news
சிப்பிக்குள்ளே முத்து
அதை நீரில் மூழ்கித் தேடு
வெற்றிக்கும் ஓர் வித்து
அதை உள்ளே மூழ்கித் தேடு
கண்டால் தவறாது
அதை தனியே நீ மாற்று
நீ சும்மா இருந்தால் எதுவும்
இங்கு தானாய் நடக்காதே
By whom and for whom
Will changes occur?
Just like the landscape, the flow of water
Also occurs for a river
தென்றலும் மாறுது
திங்களும் மாறுது
உன்னிடம் மாற்றமும் வந்திடும்
சின்ன மணிக் குயில்
மந்திரம் போல் அந்த சேதியை
சொல்லிடும் நாள் வரும்
By whom and for whom
Will changes occur?
Just like the landscape, the flow of water
Also occurs for a river
கிளி வந்து பழம் கொத்தும்
மாந்தோட்டம் நீ போடு
அணில் கொஞ்சி விளையாடும்
பூப்பந்தல் நீ போடு
Like a river, let your life
Flow gracefully and well
Let the lamps of hope
Dance beautifully
A pearl inside an oyster
Search for it by diving into the water
A seed for success too
Search for it by diving within yourself
கிளி வந்து பழம் கொத்தும்
மாந்தோட்டம் நீ போடு
அணில் கொஞ்சி விளையாடும்
பூப்பந்தல் நீ போடு
Just finding it is not enough
You must transform it into fruit
If you sit idle, nothing here
Will happen automatically on its own
பிறை என்று எண்ணாதே
முழு நிலவாய் நீ வருவாய்
சிறு விதையாய் இருந்தாலும்
ஆள் போல நிழல் தருவாய்
Even the gentle breeze changes
Even the moon changes
Change will surely come to you as well
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
The day will come when it announces this news
குத்தும் கல்லில் சிற்பம்
உளி கொத்தக் கொத்த தோன்றும்
உன்னை சிற்பம் ஆக்கு
ஒரு வெற்றுக் கல்லா நீயும்
Where parrots come and peck at fruits
Plant a mango orchard
Where squirrels caress and play
Build a canopy of flowers
எல்லாம் கை கூடும்
உன் எண்ணம் நிறைவேறும்
விடி வானில் தோன்றும் ஒளி மீன்கள்
வாழ்த்துக்கள் சொல்லும்.
Where parrots come and peck at fruits
Plant a mango orchard
Where squirrels caress and play
Build a canopy of flowers
தென்றலும் மாறுது
திங்களும் மாறுது
உன்னிடம் மாற்றமும் வந்திடும்
சின்ன மணிக் குயில்
மந்திரம் போல் அந்த சேதியை
சொல்லிடும் நாள் வரும்
Do not consider yourself just a crescent moon
You will shine as a full moon
Even if you are a tiny seed
You will give shade like a banyan tree
இது நானாய் மாற்றுவதா
இல்லை தானாய் மாறுவதா
பூப் பூவாய் தாலாட்டும்
காற்றே நீ சொல்லு
உன் பாட்டாலே எல்லார்க்கும்
நம்பிக்கை ஊட்டு
A sculpture in the sculptor's hands
Emerges as the chisel strikes again and again
Shape yourself into a fine sculpture
Rather than remaining a mere empty stone
Everything will come together
Your dreams will be fulfilled
The glowing stars appearing in the dawn sky
Will convey their best wishes
தென்றலும் மாறுது
திங்களும் மாறுது
உன்னிடம் மாற்றமும் வந்திடும்
சின்ன மணிக் குயில்
மந்திரம் போல் அந்த சேதியை
சொல்லிடும் நாள் வரும்
Even the gentle breeze changes
Even the moon changes
Change will surely come to you as well
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
The day will come when it announces this news
Should I change this myself?
Or will it change on its own?
Oh wind that lulls flower by flower, you tell me
Instill hope in everyone through your song
Even the gentle breeze changes
Even the moon changes
Change will surely come to you as well
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
The day will come when it announces this news
Inky pinky ponky
Inky pinky ponky
Father had a donkey
Father had a donkey
Inky pinky ponky
Inky pinky ponky
Father had a donkey
Father had a donkey
Donkey died
Donkey died
Chorus :Donkey died
Chorus :Donkey died
Female :Father cried
Female :Father cried
Chorus :Father cried
Chorus :Father cried
Female & Chorus :
Female & Chorus :
Inky pinky ponky
Inky pinky ponky
Father had a donkey
Father had a donkey
Thendralum maarudhu
Even the gentle breeze changes
Thingalum maarudhu
Even the moon changes
Unnidam maatramum vandhidum
Change will surely come to you as well
Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum
The day will come when it announces this news
Thendralum maarudhu
Even the gentle breeze changes
Thingalum maarudhu
Even the moon changes
Unnidam maatramum vandhidum
Change will surely come to you as well
Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum
The day will come when it announces this news
Idhu naanaai maatruvadhaa
Should I change this myself?
Illai thaanaai maaruvadhaa
Or will it change on its own?
Poo poovaai thaalaattum kaatrae nee sollu
Oh wind that lulls flower by flower, you tell me
Un paattaalae ellaarkkum nambikkai oottu
Instill hope in everyone through your song
Thendralum maarudhu
Even the gentle breeze changes
Thingalum maarudhu
Even the moon changes
Unnidam maatramum vandhidum
Change will surely come to you as well
Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum
The day will come when it announces this news
Yaaraalae yaar yaarkku
By whom and for whom
Maatrangal undaagum
Will changes occur?
Nilam polae neerottam
Just like the landscape, the flow of water
Aatrukkum undaagum
Also occurs for a river
Yaaraalae yaar yaarkku
By whom and for whom
Maatrangal undaagum
Will changes occur?
Nilam polae neerottam
Just like the landscape, the flow of water
Aatrukkum undaagum
Also occurs for a river
Nadhi polae un vaazhkkai
Like a river, let your life
Nandraaga odattum
Flow gracefully and well
Nambikkai dheepangal
Let the lamps of hope
Azhagaaga aadattum
Dance beautifully
Sippikkullae muthu
A pearl inside an oyster
Adhai neeril moozhgi thaedu
Search for it by diving into the water
Vetrikkum or vithu
A seed for success too
Adhai ullae moozhgi thaedu
Search for it by diving within yourself
Kandaal podhaadhu
Just finding it is not enough
Adhai kaniyaai nee maatru
You must transform it into fruit
Nee summaa irundhaal edhuvum ingu
If you sit idle, nothing here
Thaanaai nadakkaadhae
Will happen automatically on its own
Thendralum maarudhu
Even the gentle breeze changes
Thingalum maarudhu
Even the moon changes
Unnidam maatramum vandhidum
Change will surely come to you as well
Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum
The day will come when it announces this news
Kili vandhu pazham kothum
Where parrots come and peck at fruits
Maanthottam nee podu
Plant a mango orchard
Anil konji vilaiyaadum
Where squirrels caress and play
Poo pandhal nee podu
Build a canopy of flowers
Kili vandhu pazham kothum
Where parrots come and peck at fruits
Maanthottam nee podu
Plant a mango orchard
Anil konji vilaiyaadum
Where squirrels caress and play
Poo pandhal nee podu
Build a canopy of flowers
Pirai endru ennaadhae
Do not consider yourself just a crescent moon
Muzhu nilavaai nee varuvaai
You will shine as a full moon
Siru vidhaiyaai irundhaalum
Even if you are a tiny seed
Aal pol nizhal tharuvaai
You will give shade like a banyan tree
Kuthum kaiyil sirpam
A sculpture in the sculptor's hands
Uli kutha kutha thondrum
Emerges as the chisel strikes again and again
Unnai sirpam aakku
Shape yourself into a fine sculpture
Oru vetru kallaa neeyum
Rather than remaining a mere empty stone
Ellaam kai koodum
Everything will come together
Un ennam niraivaerum
Your dreams will be fulfilled
Vidi vaanil thondrum oli meengal
The glowing stars appearing in the dawn sky
Vaazhtthukkal sollum
Will convey their best wishes
Thendralum maarudhu
Even the gentle breeze changes
Thingalum maarudhu
Even the moon changes
Unnidam maatramum vandhidum
Change will surely come to you as well
Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum
The day will come when it announces this news
Idhu naanaai maatruvadhaa
Should I change this myself?
Illai thaanaai maaruvadhaa
Or will it change on its own?
Poo poovaai thaalaattum kaatrae nee sollu
Oh wind that lulls flower by flower, you tell me
Un paattaalae ellaarkkum nambikkai oottu
Instill hope in everyone through your song
Thendralum maarudhu
Even the gentle breeze changes
Thingalum maarudhu
Even the moon changes
Unnidam maatramum vandhidum
Change will surely come to you as well
Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha
Like a magical chant, that little sweet cuckoo bird
Sedhiyai sollidum naal varum
The day will come when it announces this news
Beyond the translation
Song interpretation
This song is a deeply philosophical and motivational composition that begins with playful nursery rhyme verses before shifting into profound reflections on impermanence, perseverance, and self-belief. The lyrics emphasize that change is a fundamental law of nature: just as breezes shift and the moon waxes and wanes, positive transformation will inevitably touch human life. It urges the listener to take active responsibility for their future rather than waiting passively for luck or circumstances to change. Using vibrant imagery from nature—such as diving deep for a pearl, a sculptor chiseling away at raw stone, or a small seed growing into a grand banyan tree—the song encourages self-improvement, continuous effort, and optimism. It presents hope as a guiding light, promising that through determined effort, even the smallest individual can overcome adversity and achieve full potential.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Uvamai)
“Chinna mani kuyil mandhiram pol andha”
Compares the sweet, joyful announcement of good news to a magical chant ('mandhiram pol').
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Nadhi polae un vaazhkkai”
Life is metaphorsed as a flowing river that should move smoothly towards its destiny.
Contrast / Antithesis (Maranu)
“Pirai endru ennaadhae / Muzhu nilavaai nee varuvaai”
Contrasts the partiality of a crescent moon ('Pirai') with the completeness of a full moon ('Muzhu nilavu') to inspire personal growth.
Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)
“Thendralum maarudhu / Thingalum maarudhu”
Repetition of initial letters or phonetic matches across lines ('Thendralum' and 'Thingalum').
Did you know?
Trivia
The track opens playfully using the classic English nursery rhyme 'Inky Pinky Ponky' to capture attention before pivoting into Vaali's signature motivational Tamil poetry. The song was featured in the 2009 Tamil film 'Valmiki', directed by G. Anantha Narayanan.
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