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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Udan Pirappe Odi Vaa

From Thenpandi Seemaiyile · 1988

Lyricist
Vaali
Singer
Malaysia Vasudevan
Music director
K. Bhagyaraj
Details
Thenpandi Seemaiyile1988

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Yaehae…..aahhaa….mmm….Yaehae... Aahhaa... Mmm...
Male
Udan pirappae odi vaaO sibling, come running!
Padai thrandae paadivaaGather like an army and come singing!
Naadu pottrum sariththiraththaiA history that the nation praises,
Naalai naamum padaiththiduvomTomorrow, we too shall create!
Male
Udan pirappae odi vaaO sibling, come running!
Padai thrandae paadivaaGather like an army and come singing!
Naadu pottrum sariththiraththaiA history that the nation praises,
Naalai naamum padaiththiduvomTomorrow, we too shall create!
Annaa sonna paadhai thedi vaaCome seeking the path shown by Anna!
Male
Yaezhai engal iravan endraan namathu aringanOur scholar said 'The poor are our God'.
Kozhai alla thamizhan kottai aalum thamizhanThe Tamilian is no coward; he is the one who rules fortresses.
Jaathi ennum viyaathi nammaal ingu theerumThe disease called caste will be cured here by us.
Bedham pesum vedham naattai vittu odumThe scripture that preaches discrimination will flee the country.
Vaazh naalthorum naam poraadalaamLet us fight every day of our lives.
Male
Udan pirappae odi vaaO sibling, come running!
Padai thrandae paadivaaGather like an army and come singing!
Naadu pottrum sariththiraththaiA history that the nation praises,
Naalai naamum padaiththiduvomTomorrow, we too shall create!
Annaa sonna paadhai thedi vaaCome seeking the path shown by Anna!
Male
Vengai pola namakku veeram nenjil irukkuWe have courage in our hearts like a tiger.
Ooril enna vazhakku neril sendru adakkuWhatever dispute exists in town, go in person and suppress it.
Aamai endru vaazhnthaal yaarum nammai midhipparIf we live passively like a turtle, everyone will trample us.
Theemai thannai saaiththaal dheivam pola madhippaarIf we defeat evil, they will respect us like a God.
Naan unnodu nee ennodu vaa….I am with you, you come with me...
Male
Udan pirappae odi vaaO sibling, come running!
Padai thrandae paadivaaGather like an army and come singing!
Naadu pottrum sariththiraththaiA history that the nation praises,
Naalai naamum padaiththiduvomTomorrow, we too shall create!
Annaa sonna paadhai thedi vaa…Come seeking the path shown by Anna...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Udan Pirappae Odi Vaa' is a rousing social-political song that calls upon brethren to unite, stand against social evils, and forge a heroic future. Drawing inspiration from Dravidian leader C. N. Annadurai (Anna), the song emphasizes equality, eradicating caste discrimination, and overcoming cowardice to fight for justice and reform. The lyrics urge collective action, warning against passive living while motivating people to defeat evil and build a memorable legacy for future generations.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Upamai)

Vengai pola namakku veeram nenjil irukku

Compares the courage in one's heart to that of a tiger ('Vengai pola').

Metaphor (Uruvagam)

Jaathi ennum viyaathi nammaal ingu theerum

Directly equates the practice of caste to a disease ('viyaathi').

Simile (Upamai)

Aamai endru vaazhnthaal yaarum nammai midhippar

Compares living passively and meekly to a turtle ('Aamai endru').

Did you know?

Trivia

The phrase 'Udan Pirappae' (blood sibling/brother) and references to 'Anna' directly echo the political rhetoric and egalitarian messaging of the Dravidian movement led by C. N. Annadurai.

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