Seerkazhi Govindarajan and Trichy Loganathan voice Mahakavi Subramanya Bharthiyaar’s lyrics in ‘Kappalotiya Tamizhan.’ G. Ramanathan’s composition supports this direct critique of performative patriotism. The vocal delivery emphasizes disappointment with hollow declarations.
Nenjil Uramumindri
Seerkazhi Govindarajan | Trichy Loganathan • From “Kappalotiya Tamizhan”
Bharthiyaar notes people ‘without courage in heart’ yet claiming heroic status through speech. He observes indifference toward suffering brothers as evidence of failed integrity. These lines expose contradictions between words and actions.
Nenjil Uramum IndriThey don’t have any courage in their hearts,
Nermai Thiramum IndriThey don’t have the skill of honesty,
Vanjanai Solvaaradi KiliyeThey only speak words of deceit, oh parrot.
Vaai Sollil Veeraradi KiliyeThey’re only heroes in their speech, oh parrot.
Uppendrum Seeni EndrumTalking about things like salt and sugar,
Ullnaattu SelaiyendrumTalking about the locally made sarees,
Seppi Thirivaaradi KiliyeThey wander around just gossiping, oh parrot.
Seivathariyaaradi KiliyeThey don’t know what they should do, oh parrot.
Nenjil Uramum IndriThey don’t have any courage in their hearts,
Nermai Thiramum IndriThey don’t have the skill of honesty,
Vanjanai Solvaaradi KiliyeThey only speak words of deceit, oh parrot.
Vaai Sollil Veeraradi KiliyeThey’re only heroes in their speech, oh parrot.
Achamum PedaimaiyumThey’re filled with fear and ignorance,
Adimai SirumadhiyumThey have the narrow minds of slaves,
Utchathil Kondaradi KiliyeThey’ve taken these to the extreme, oh parrot.
Oomai Janangal Adi KiliyeThey’re like a people who’ve gone mute, oh parrot.
Nenjil Uramum IndriThey don’t have any courage in their hearts,
Nermai Thiramum IndriThey don’t have the skill of honesty,
Vanjanai Solvaaradi KiliyeThey only speak words of deceit, oh parrot.
Vaai Sollil Veeraradi KiliyeThey’re only heroes in their speech, oh parrot.
Sontha SagothararkalSeeing their very own brothers,
Thunbaththil Saathal KandumDying in a state of suffering,
Sinthai Irangaaradi KiliyeTheir hearts don’t feel any pity, oh parrot.
Semmai Maranthaaradi KiliyeThey’ve forgotten the path of goodness, oh parrot.
Nenjil Uramum IndriThey don’t have any courage in their hearts,
Nermai Thiramum IndriThey don’t have the skill of honesty,
Vanjanai Solvaaradi KiliyeThey only speak words of deceit, oh parrot.
Vaai Sollil Veeraradi KiliyeThey’re only heroes in their speech, oh parrot.
Bharthiyaar’s call for authentic courage remains central to the Nenjil Uramumindri lyrics translation. This Tamil classic challenges listeners to measure patriotism through deeds, not rhetoric.
