T. M. Soundararajan delivers philosophical depth in ‘Adhu Irundhaal’ from the album Nalla Theerppu. Lyricist Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram and composer S. M. Subbaih Naidu frame life’s unavoidable trade-offs through measured vocals and reflective instrumentation.
Adhu Irundhaal
T. M. Soundararajan • From “Nalla Theerppu”
What is the meaning of Adhu Irundhaal Lyrics from Nalla Theerppu?
Kalyanasundaram notes educated individuals lacking jobs despite qualifications. He observes women with both beauty and intelligence facing unwarranted criticism from narrow-minded circles.
Ellorum Nampumpadi Sollum ThiranirunthaalIf you’ve the skill to speak and make everyone believe,
Sollilae Unmai IllaiThen there’s no truth in your words.
Ullathai Ullapadi Sollum ManithanidamFor the man who speaks the plain truth,
Unarnthidum ThiramaiyillaiOthers don’t have the skill to understand him.
Unmaiyum Nampa VaikkumIf the truth and the skill to convince,
Thiranum AmainthirunthaalWere both present,
Ulagam Athai YaerpathillaiThe world wouldn’t accept it.
Athu Irunthaal Idhu IllaiIf that’s there, this isn’t.
Idhu Irunthaal Athu IllaiIf this is there, that isn’t.
Athu Irunthaal Idhu IllaiIf that’s there, this isn’t.
Idhu Irunthaal Athu IllaiIf this is there, that isn’t.
Adhuvum Idhuvum SaernthirunthaalIf both of them happen to come together,
Avanukkingae IdamillaiThere’s no place for that person here.
Athu Irunthaal Idhu IllaiIf that’s there, this isn’t.
Idhu Irunthaal Adhu IllaiIf this is there, that isn’t.
Angamathil MangaiyarkkuFor a woman in her physical form,
Azhagirunthaal ArivillaiIf she’s beauty, she doesn’t have intelligence.
Aamaa Angamathil MangaiyarkkuYes, for a woman in her physical form,
Azhagirunthaal ArivillaiIf she has beauty, she lacks intelligence.
Aaraainthu Mudivu SeiyyumTo analyze and make a decision,
Arivirunthaal AzhagillaiIf she has the wisdom, then she lacks beauty.
Azhagum Arivum Amaintha PengalEven if women blessed with beauty and wisdom,
Adhisayamaai PiranthaalumAre born as a rare miracle,
Kurugum Manam KondavargalThose with narrow minds,
Kulaukkaamal ViduvathillaiWon’t stop until they’ve caused trouble.
Athu Irunthaal Idhu IllaiIf that’s there, this isn’t.
Idhu Irunthaal Adhu IllaiIf this is there, that isn’t.
Adhuvum Idhuvum SaernthirunthaalIf both of them happen to come together,
Avanukkingae IdamillaiThere’s no place for that person here.
Athu Irunthaal Idhu IllaiIf that’s there, this isn’t.
Idhu Irunthaal Adhu IllaiIf this is there, that isn’t.
Palli Sellum MaanavarkkuFor a student going to school,
Padippu Vanthaal PanamillaiIf they’ve the education, they don’t have the money.
Palli Sellum MaanavarkkuFor the student attending school,
Padippu Vanthaal PanamillaiIf education is there, the wealth is missing.
Panamirunthaal IlaingyarukkuIf the youth have the money,
Padippathilae ManamillaiThey’ve no heart for their studies.
Manamirunthu Padippu VanthuIf they’ve the desire and the education,
Paritchaiyilum Thaeri VittaalAnd even pass their exams,
Pala Padigal Yaeri IrangiEven after searching everywhere,
Paarththaalum VelaiyillaiThere’s no job to be found.
Athu Irunthaal Idhu IllaiIf that’s there, this isn’t.
Idhu Irunthaal Adhu IllaiIf this is there, that isn’t.
Adhuvum Idhuvum SaernthirunthaalIf both of them happen to come together,
Avanukkingae IdamillaiThere’s no place for that person here.
Athu Irunthaal Idhu IllaiIf that’s there, this isn’t.
Idhu Irunthaal Adhu IllaiIf this is there, that isn’t.
Pothuppaniyil SelavalikkaTo spend on public service,
Ninaikkumpothu PorulillaiWhen you think of it, you don’t have the wealth.
Porulum Pugalum Saerntha PinnaeOnce wealth and fame have come together,
Pothuppaniyil NinaivillaiYou’ve no thought for public service.
Pothumaana Porulum VanthuIf you’ve enough wealth,
Pothu Paniyil Ninaivum VanthaalAnd the desire for public service,
Potta Thittam Nirai VeraFor the plans you’ve made to succeed,
Koottaaligal SariyillaiYour partners aren’t the right ones.
Athu Irunthaal Idhu IllaiIf that’s there, this isn’t.
Idhu Irunthaal Adhu IllaiIf this is there, that isn’t.
Adhuvum Idhuvum SaernthirunthaalIf both of them happen to come together,
Avanukkingae IdamillaiThere’s no place for that person here.
Athu Irunthaal Idhu IllaiIf that’s there, this isn’t.
Idhu Irunthaal Adhu IllaiIf this is there, that isn’t.
Adhu Irundhaal Music Video
The Nalla Theerppu track’s lyrics translation presents a pragmatic view: complete harmony remains unattainable in human experience. Systemic gaps and social biases perpetuate this imbalance.