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Lyrics & meaning

Yaathum Oorada

From Soppu Seeppu Kannadi · 1968

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singers
T. M. Soundararajan, A. L. Ragavan
Music director
T. K. Ramamoorthy
Details
Soppu Seeppu Kannadi1968

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Yaadhum oorada ellaam uravadaEvery town is my hometown, and everyone is my relative, my friend!
Manidhanum mirugamum nerunginaalIf humans and animals grow close together,
Pazhaginaal sondhamae dei deiAnd get to know each other, they become true kin, hey!
Male
Kurangukku pirandhavar manidhargalThat humans are descended from monkeys,
Enbathu nirubikka vendumadaIs something that needs to be proven, my friend!
Kudu kudu ottamum kurennum kobamumThe quick frantic running and the chattering anger,
Irandukkum sondhamadaAre traits belonging to both of them!
Male
Kurangukku pirandhavar manidhargalThat humans are descended from monkeys,
Enbathu nirubikka vendumadaIs something that needs to be proven, my friend!
Kudu kudu ottamum kurennum kobamumThe quick frantic running and the chattering anger,
Irandukkum sondhamadaAre traits belonging to both of them!
Male
Carotti paarthppoo yedhaenum modhinaalLook ahead and drive the car carefully; if it hits something,
Pondatti pillaigal thindaadanumThe wife and children will have to struggle and suffer!
Male
Carotti paarthppoo yedhaenum modhinaalLook ahead and drive the car carefully; if it hits something,
Pondatti pillaigal thindaadanumThe wife and children will have to struggle and suffer!
Male
Yerottam thozhanae poraddum veranaeO friend who drives the plow, O hero who fights in the struggle!
Unnaalae thaan indha oor vaazhanumIt is only because of you that this town survives and thrives!
Male
Yerottam thozhanae poraddum veranaeO friend who drives the plow, O hero who fights in the struggle!
Unnaalae thaan indha oor vaazhanumIt is only because of you that this town survives and thrives!
Male
Kulla vaathu kullavaathuShort duck, short duck,
Koottathai vittu nee vilagadhae…vaa vaa vaDo not stray away from the flock... come, come, come!
Kulla vaathu kullavaathuShort duck, short duck,
Koottathai vittu nee vilagadhaeDo not stray away from the flock!
Male
Koottathil irundhu kondaeWhile staying right inside the flock,
Laabathai mattum nee maravadhaeJust do not forget about your own profit!
Laabathai mattum nee maravadhaeJust do not forget about your own profit!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This lively satirical track from the 1968 film 'Soppu Seeppu Kannadi' opens with a playful nod to ancient Sangam philosophy ('Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir'), expanding it to suggest that humans and animals share a deep kinship. The lyricist humorously highlights Darwinian evolution, pointing out how human panic and quick-tempered outbursts reflect our monkey ancestors.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Literary Allusion (Ilakkiya Kurippu)

Yaadhum oorada ellaam uravada

This line is a playful adaptation of the famous ancient Sangam Tamil poem by Kaniyan Pungundranar from Purananuru: 'Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir' (Every town is my home, every person is my kin).

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Kudu kudu ottamum kurennum kobamum

The repetition of the initial consonant-vowel sound 'Ku' in 'Kudu' and 'kurennum' creates a rhythmic beat reflecting the hurried actions described.

Satirical Metaphor

Kulla vaathu kullavaathu Koottathai vittu nee vilagadhae

The metaphor of a 'short duck' staying within a flock is used satirically to comment on opportunistic people who stay in social groups solely for personal profit.

Anaphora / Repetition

Yerottam thozhanae poraddum veranae / Unnaalae thaan indha oor vaazhanum

The intentional repetition of lines emphasizing the farmer's importance reinforces the song's respect for labor and rural sustenance.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Soppu Seeppu Kannadi' (1968) features music composed solely by T. K. Ramamoorthy during his solo career after the famous Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy duo parted ways. Lyricist Kannadasan masterfully blended classical Sangam literary references with modern satirical commentary on daily human struggles and work ethics.

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