T. M. Soundararajan’s commanding vocals anchor ‘Manadhaara Oru’ from the album Pattaliyin Vetri. Lyricist Ka. Mu. Sherif and composer S. Rajeswararao frame a moral warning about reputation and social perception. The track addresses how context shapes judgments of personal actions.
Manadhaara Oru
T. M. Soundararajan • From “Pattaliyin Vetri”
Manadhaara Oru Lyrics Translation T. M. Soundararajan | Pattaliyin Vetri
Sherif builds the central analogy around drinking milk beneath a palm tree. Observers might mistake this innocent act for consuming toddy. The lyricist then advises seeking virtuous friendships as essential duty.
Manathaara Oru PizhaiyumYou haven’t committed a single mistake from your heart,
Vaazhvilae Seiyyaamalyou’ve lived your life without doing any wrong.
Gunakkedaar KootturuvaalYet, by keeping company with those of poor character,
Kodum Pazhiyai Kondavanaeyou’ve become the one who’s burdened with such a terrible reputation.
Panai Maraththin KeezhirunthuIf you sit beneath a ‘palm tree’ where wine is made,
Paalai Kudiththaalumeven if you’re only drinking milk,
Paarppavargal Kankalukkuto the eyes of anyone who’s watching you,
Paalaai Therinthidumowill it ever really look like milk?
Iniyaenum UnmaiyithaiFrom now on, keep this truth in mind,
Ellalavum Maravaamaland don’t forget it even for a tiny moment.
Nallorgal NatpaiSeeking the friendship of virtuous people,
Naaduvathu Kadamaiyadaais a duty you must fulfill.
Nallorgal NatpaiSeeking the friendship of virtuous people,
Naaduvathu Un Kadamaiyadaais a duty that’s yours to fulfill.
Manadhaara Oru Music Video
Pattaliyin Vetri’s moral clarity makes Manadhaara Oru lyrics in English valuable for understanding reputation management. Sherif’s writing emphasizes proactive choices over passive virtue.