Madhu Balakrishnan and Ilaiyaraaja collaborate on ‘Seiginra Velaiyil’ from the album ‘Dinasari.’ Lyricist-composer Isaignani Ilayaraja frames a solemn contrast between eras governed by ethics and today’s materialistic world.
Released: March 10, 2025
Seiginra Velaiyil
Ilaiyaraaja | Madhu Balakrishnan • From “Dinasari”
Seiginra Velaiyil Lyrics Translation Ilaiyaraaja | Madhu Balakrishnan | Dinasari
Ilayaraja references a time when ‘justice, fairness, righteousness, and dharma were upheld.’ He later compares modern humanity to ‘garbage carried away in a river’s flood,’ illustrating societal drift.
Seigira Velaiyil KavanamudanWith focus on the work being done,
Seidhu Mudithidum OokkamudanWith the drive to see it through,
Velai Seidhadhu Oru KaalamThere was a time when work was done like this.
Kaasupanamthannil KavanamudanWith focus only on money and wealth,
Kalinthidum Vaazhkaiyin KavalaiyudanWith the worry of a life that’s fading away,
Velai Nattam Illaamale Seivadhu KalikaalamDoing work without any passion is the hallmark of this ‘age of vice’.
Seigira Velaiyil KavanamudanWith focus on the work being done,
Seidhu Mudithidum OokkamudanWith the drive to see it through,
Velai Seidhadhu Oru KaalamThere was a time when work was done like this.
Needhiyum Nyaayamum NermaiyudanWith justice, fairness, and honesty,
Dharmam Kadaipidithirunthadhu Oru KaalamThere was a time when ‘dharma’ was strictly upheld.
Poruladhaaramum Pudhu VinyaanamumMaterialism and modern science,
Manidharai Maatriyathu IkkaalamHave changed humanity in this present era.
Maariya Ulagathai NinaithaaleWhen I think of this changed world,
Vendhu Vendhu Manam NogiradhaeMy heart burns and aches with pain.
Tholaindha Vaazhvuthanil ElanthathellamThinking of all that’s been lost in this vanished life,
Ninaithu Ninaithu Manam VegirathaeMy mind seethes as I dwell on it again and again.
Manidha Manangalai KeduthathudanAfter corrupting human minds,
Uravaiyum Anbaiyum AruththadhudanAfter severing bonds of love and kinship,
Men Karuvi Ulaginaiyae OlikirathaeThe world of ‘software’ is destroying everything.
Seigira Velaiyil KavanamudanWith focus on the work being done,
Seidhu Mudithidum OokkamudanWith the drive to see it through,
Velai Seidhadhu Oru KaalamThere was a time when work was done like this.
Pathum Seithidum PanathudanaeWith money that can do anything,
Sithu Aaduraar Manidhar EllamAll people are playing games of trickery.
Ottukudithana Kudumbam EllamFamilies that once lived together under one roof,
Ottrai Maramaachu ParithaabamHave sadly become solitary trees.
Kaasu Panam Thanil KattunduBound by coins and cash,
Kalisadai Anadhai AriyaamalWithout realizing they’ve become orphans of this ‘degenerate age’,
Pesidum Pechinil UnmaigalaeThe truths within the words they speak,
Ingu Ondrumindri Ponadhai UnaraamalHave vanished into nothingness without them noticing.
Aatril Vellathil Adithu SellumSwept away in a river’s flood,
Kuppaigal Pol Indha Manidha KulamThe human race is like scattered garbage.
Meendidavae Vazhi IllaiyaeThere’s no way to recover,
MidhanthiduthaeIt just floats away.
Seigira Velaiyil KavanamudanWith focus on the work being done,
Seidhu Mudithidum OokkamudanWith the drive to see it through,
Velai Seidhadhu Oru KaalamThere was a time when work was done like this.
Kaasupanamthannil KavanamudanWith focus only on money and wealth,
Kalinthidum Vaazhkaiyin KavalaiyudanWith the worry of a life that’s fading away,
Velai Nattam Illaamale Seivadhu KalikaalamDoing work without any passion is the hallmark of this ‘age of vice’.
Seigira Velaiyil KavanamudanWith focus on the work being done,
Seidhu Mudithidum OokkamudanWith the drive to see it through,
Velai Seidhadhu Oru KaalamThere was a time when work was done like this.
Seiginra Velaiyil Music Video
The ‘Seiginra Velaiyil’ lyrics translation examines how financial focus replaced purpose. Ilaiyaraaja’s composition pairs Madhu Balakrishnan’s vocals with warnings about eroded connections.