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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Yaarum Vilaiyaadum Thottam

From Nadodi Thendral · 1992

Lyricist
Isaignani Ilayaraja
Singers
Mano, K. S. Chithra
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Nadodi Thendral1992

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
…………………………..
Chorus
Yaarum vilaiyaadum thottamA garden where anyone can play,
Dhinamthorum aattam paattamEvery day is filled with dance and song.
Pottaalum poruththukkonduEven if tested or burdened, enduring it patiently,
Chorus
Ponnu tharum saamiGod bestows us with a bride and prosperity,
Indha mannu namma boomiThis soil is our beloved land.
Ponnu tharum saamiGod bestows us with a bride and prosperity,
Indha mannu namma boomiThis soil is our beloved land.
Female
Kobangal vendaamLet us have no anger,
Konjam aarappoduCool down your temper a bit.
Aarodum oora paarthuLook at the village with its river flowing,
Daera poduAnd pitch your tent right there.
Chorus
Yaarum vilaiyaadum thottamA garden where anyone can play,
Dhinamthorum aattam paattamEvery day is filled with dance and song.
Pottaalum poruththukkonduEven if tested or burdened, enduring it patiently,
Chorus
Ponnu tharum saamiGod bestows us with a bride and prosperity,
Indha mannu namma boomiThis soil is our beloved land.
Ponnu tharum saamiGod bestows us with a bride and prosperity,
Indha mannu namma boomiThis soil is our beloved land.
Female
Koodamum mani maadamumThere are grand halls and multi-storied mansions,
Nalla veedum unduAnd comfortable homes to live in.
Vedavo pallu paadavumTo recite sacred verses and songs,
Pallikkoodam unduThere is a school established here.
Female
Paasamum nalla nesamumAffection and genuine friendship,
Vandhu koodum inguGather together right here.
Poosalum siru yesalumMinor disputes and petty scoldings,
Dhinamdhoram unduHappen every single day.
Female
Anbillaa oorukkullaeIn a town devoid of love,
Inbam illaiThere is no true happiness.
Chorus :Ohooo..oo..hoiChorus: Ohooo..oo..hoi
Female :Vammbilla vaazhkkai endraalFemale: If life is free of useless squabbles,
Thunbam illaiThere will be no sorrow.
Chorus :Ohooo..oo..hoiChorus: Ohooo..oo..hoi
Female
Kobangal vendaamLet us have no anger,
Konjam aarappoduCool down your temper a bit.
Aarodum oora paarthuLook at the village with its river flowing,
Daera poduAnd pitch your tent right there.
Male
Aaththi idhu vaathukkootamOh my, this is a flock of ducks,
Aaththi idhu vaathukkootamOh my, this is a flock of ducks!
Paarthaa iva aalu mattamLooking at her, she seems low class,
Potta oru aattam paattamPutting on a wild dance and show.
Sollurathai keluListen to what I say,
Nee vera oorai paaruGo look for another town.
Naan sollurathai keluListen to what I am telling you,
Konjam vera oorai paaruGo search for a different town.
Male
Daeraavai paarththu poduPitch your tent carefully,
OlaththoduWith all the loud noise,
Ver oorai poyichcheruGo reach another village,
NeraththoduIn proper time.
Male
Aaththi idhu vaathukkootamOh my, this is a flock of ducks,
Paarthaa iva aalu mattamLooking at her, she seems low class,
Potta oru aattam paattamPutting on a wild dance and show.
Sollurathai keluListen to what I say,
Nee vera oorai paaruGo look for another town.
Naan sollurathai keluListen to what I am telling you,
Konjam vera oorai paaru…uu…Go search for a different town...
Chorus
…………………………….
Female
Aaviaagi pona neeroThe water that evaporated away,
Megam aachchuTurned into a floating cloud.
Mega neerum keezha vandhuThat cloud's rain came down,
YeriyaachchuAnd filled up the lake.
Female
Aaru enna yeri ennaWhat is a river, and what is a lake?
Neeru onnuWater is one and the same.
Veedu enna kaadu ennaWhat is a house, and what is a forest?
Boomi onnuThe Earth is one and the same.
Female
Kadalukkul serum thanniWater that joins the ocean,
UppagudhuTurns salty and bitter.
Chorus :Ohooo..oo..hoiChorus: Ohooo..oo..hoi
Female :Sippikkul kudum thanniFemale: The raindrop that enters an oyster,
MuththaagudhuTransforms into a precious pearl.
Chorus :Ohooo..oo..hoiChorus: Ohooo..oo..hoi
Female
Seraadha thaamarappooLike the untouched lotus bloom,
Thanni polaeSitting upon the water,
Maaraadhu enga vaazhvuOur life remains unblemished,
Vaanam polaeVast and open like the sky.
Chorus
Yaarum vilaiyaadum thottamA garden where anyone can play,
Dhinamthorum aattam paattamEvery day is filled with dance and song.
Pottaalum poruththukkonduEven if tested or burdened, enduring it patiently,
Chorus
Ponnu tharum saamiGod bestows us with a bride and prosperity,
Indha mannu namma boomiThis soil is our beloved land.
Ponnu tharum saamiGod bestows us with a bride and prosperity,
Indha mannu namma boomiThis soil is our beloved land.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Yaarum Vilaiyaadum Thottam' from Nadodi Thendral is a high-spirited folk narrative celebrating nomadism, human unity, and detached contentment. It contrasts the world of settled villagers with the open, uninhibited lifestyle of nomadic performers. Through playful banter and philosophical reflections, the lyrics critique social prejudice while reminding us that all human beings share the same earth.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Ethugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Anbillaa oorukkullae / Inbam illai

The second consonant 'n' (ன்) rhymes in 'Anbillaa' and 'Inbam', creating a rhythmic flow in the line.

Simile (Uvamai)

Seraadha thaamarappoo Thanni polae

Compares living a detached, pristine life in society to a lotus leaf/flower resting on water without letting water stick to it.

Philosophical Metaphor

Kadalukkul serum thanni Uppagudhu... Sippikkul kudum thanni Muththaagudhu

Uses the transformation of water (becoming salt water in the sea vs a pearl inside an oyster shell) as a metaphor for how one's company and mindset determine their value.

Monai (First Letter Alliteration)

Poosalum siru yesalum

The starting consonant sound 'P' / 'S' creates a rhythmic cadence suitable for folk song delivery.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Nadodi Thendral' (1992) is a period romantic drama directed by Bharathiraja, starring Karthik and Ranjitha. The film's soundtrack was composed by Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja, who also penned the lyrics for this song. The storyline deals with the clash and romance between a village youth and a nomadic gypsy woman, which inspired the earthy, philosophical folk style of this track.

Keep listening

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