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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Vanakkam Vanakkam

From Needhi Pizhaithathu · 1981

Lyricist
Poonguyilan
Singer
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Needhi Pizhaithathu1981

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Vanakkam vanakkamWelcome, welcome.
Pudhumai kavithai rasikkalaamLet us enjoy modern poetry.
Naan kan imaikkum kaalaththirkulWithin the time it takes to blink an eye,
Kai nodikkum neraththirkulWithin the time it takes to snap fingers,
Padal oru kodi solluvaenI will sing ten million songs;
En paattil intha nattai velluvaen…With my song, I will conquer this country...
Male
Vanakkam vanakkamWelcome, welcome.
Pudhumai kavithai rasikkalaamLet us enjoy modern poetry.
Naan kan imaikkum kaalaththirkulWithin the time it takes to blink an eye,
Kai nodikkum neraththirkulWithin the time it takes to snap fingers,
Padal oru kodi solluvaenI will sing ten million songs;
En paattil intha nattai velluvaen…With my song, I will conquer this country...
Male
Ulaga arangilae medaiyittuSetting up a stage in the world arena,
Periya manithanpol vedamittuDisguising themselves as great men,
Nadikkum koottam aadum aattamThe dance played by the acting crowd,
Iniyum sollaathingaeDo not tell or tolerate it anymore!
Sila naalaagum gunam theeyaagumIn a few days, their nature will turn to fire.
Andru nee engae ada vaa ingaeWhere will you be then? Hey, come here!
Male
Vanakkam vanakkamWelcome, welcome.
Pudhumai kavithai rasikkalaamLet us enjoy modern poetry.
Naan kan imaikkum kaalaththirkulWithin the time it takes to blink an eye,
Kai nodikkum neraththirkulWithin the time it takes to snap fingers,
Padal oru kodi solluvaenI will sing ten million songs;
En paattil intha nattai velluvaen…With my song, I will conquer this country...
Male
Uzhaikkum karangalai katti vaippaarThey tie up the hands that toil,
Urimai porulgalai thatti selvaarThey snatch away rightful belongings,
Udhattil dharmam manaththil maramamRighteousness on their lips, deceit in their hearts,
Enna niyaayangaloWhat kind of justice is this?
Ini paarppomae pdhi ketpomaeLet us see now, let us demand answers!
Ingu vaarungal ondru serungalCome here, unite together!
Male
Vanakkam vanakkamWelcome, welcome.
Male
Iravil sudhanthiram vaangi kondomWe obtained freedom in the night,
Pagalil anaivarum thoongi vittomIn the daylight, we all went to sleep.
Urangum neram thirudar koottamWhile everyone was sleeping, a gang of thieves
Ulagai aatkkondathuTook control of the world!
Intha thookkangal mana yaekkangalMay this deep slumber and mental anguish
Ini maarattum oli kaanattumChange from now on; let us see the light!
Male
Vanakkam vanakkamWelcome, welcome.
Pudhumai kavithai rasikkalaamLet us enjoy modern poetry.
Naan kan imaikkum kaalaththirkulWithin the time it takes to blink an eye,
Kai nodikkum neraththirkulWithin the time it takes to snap fingers,
Padal oru kodi solluvaenI will sing ten million songs;
En paattil intha nattai velluvaen…With my song, I will conquer this country...
Male
………………...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

'Needhi Pizhaithathu' features this energetic, socially conscious track sung by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. The protagonist uses poetry and music as powerful instruments to awaken the masses. He criticizes hypocritical leaders who posture as noble men on the world stage while oppressing the working class and embezzling people's rights. The lyricist metaphorically notes that although independence was gained at midnight, society fell asleep in the daylight, allowing opportunistic oppressors to rule. The song calls for unity, awareness, and social transformation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor / Hyperbole

Naan kan imaikkum kaalaththirkul / Kai nodikkum neraththirkul / Padal oru kodi solluvaen

The singer hyperbolically claims he can sing a crore (ten million) songs in the blink of an eye or snap of a finger to show the speed and power of revolutionary poetry.

Antithesis / Contrast

Iravil sudhanthiram vaangi kondom / Pagalil anaivarum thoongi vittom

Contrasts obtaining independence in the night with falling asleep during daylight, symbolizing societal apathy post-independence.

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyming)

Udhattil dharmam manaththil maramam

The second letter 'dh' ('th') rhymes across consecutive lines (Udhattil / Enna / etc.) creating rhythmic cadence in Tamil lyricism.

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Trivia

'Needhi Pizhaithathu' (1981) featured music composed by the legendary duo Shankar-Ganesh. The song showcases SPB's vibrant vocal delivery in delivering socio-political commentary through rhythmic poetry.

Keep listening

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