P. Susheela and Seerkazhi Govindarajan deliver ‘Thunive Thunai’ from the album ‘Vandhale Maharasi.’ Lyricist Shankar Ganesh and composer Vaali create a protest anthem against corruption. The marching rhythm underscores demands for justice and equality.
Thunive Thunai
P. Susheela | Seerkazhi Govindarajan • From “Vandhale Maharasi”
Thunive Thunai Lyrics Meaning P. Susheela | Seerkazhi Govindarajan | Vandhale Maharasi
Shankar Ganesh contrasts hut-dwellers with kings: ‘Kuppanum Suppanum are real kings in this republic.’ He criticizes leaders who feast while followers starve. One line rejects divisive symbols: ‘A shoulder cloth beautifies a person, not a divided nation.’
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Ada Thatti Ketka Oru AalillaamaSince there’s no one around to question them,
Rompa Kettu Pochu NaaduThe country’s fallen deep into ruin.
Avar Kutta Kutta Naam Kunintha KaalamThe days when we bowed as they kept hitting us,
Ini Illai Endru PaaduSing that those times aren’t here now.
Bayam Illai Endru PaaduSing that there’s no fear anymore.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Kudisaiyil Vaazhgindra Kuppanum SuppanumThe common folk like ‘Kuppan and Suppan’ living in huts,
Kudiyarasatchiyil MannarAre the real kings in this republic.
Intha Kudiyarasaatchiyil MannarIn this republic, they’re the real kings.
Antha Mannar Paathiyil Pattini KidakkaiyilWhile those kings are starving on the path,
Mattravarukkethappaa DinnerHow can everyone else sit down for dinner?
Porantha Naalaikku Poster OtturaPasting posters for their birthdays,
Periya Manithargal YaarumAre all these so-called great men.
Adhai Otturaanae Antha Thondan VayiruthaanBut look at the belly of the follower who pastes them,
Otti Kidappathai PaarumSee how it’s sticking to his back from hunger.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Then Kumari Thottu Vada Imayam MattumFrom the southern ‘Kumari’ to the northern Himalayas,
Oru Desam Endru Nee KooradaaDeclare that it’s all one nation.
Orey Desam Endru Nee KooradaaDeclare that it’s just one single nation.
Kumari Thottu Vada Imayam MattumFrom the tip of ‘Kumari’ to the northern Himalayas,
Oru Desam Endru Nee KooradaaDeclare that it’s all one nation.
Orey Desam Endru Nee KooradaaDeclare that it’s just one single nation.
Kizhakku Merkendrum Therkku VadakkendrumAs East and West, or South and North,
Piriththu Solvathu YaaradaaWho is it that tries to divide us?
Naattai Pirikka Solvathu EvandaaWho’s the one telling us to tear the country apart?
Thundu Poduvathu TholukkazhakuthaanWearing a ‘shoulder cloth’ is just a grace for the shoulder,
Naattukkazhakalla ThambiIt isn’t a beauty for the nation, brother.
Thundu Poduvathu TholukkazhakuthaanWearing a ‘shoulder cloth’ is just a grace for the shoulder,
Naattukkazhakalla ThambiIt isn’t a beauty for the nation, brother.
Edhirkaalam Irukku Unai NambiThe future’s waiting, and it’s counting on you.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Un Thalaivan Endru Nee Maalai Podum MunBefore you garland someone as your leader,
Avar Thaguthi Enna PaaruLook closely at what his merit is.
Avar Thaguthi Enna PaaruLook closely at what his merit is.
Avar SeithathennaWhat’s he actually done?
Avar SeartthathennaWhat’s he gathered for himself?
Avar SeithathennaWhat’s he actually done?
Avar SeartthathennaWhat’s he gathered for himself?
Dhinam Paththu Perai KeluGo and ask ten people every day.
Padicha Paththu Perai KeluAsk ten educated people for the truth.
Porul Naadaaraaga Pugazh NaadaaraagaOne who doesn’t crave wealth or fame,
Porul Naadaaraaga Pugazh NaadaaraagaOne who doesn’t crave wealth or fame,
Ulla Manitha Yaaru KeluAsk who that kind of man is.
Avar Udhavithaan Namakku PadhaviyaagumenaSing that only his help will raise our status,
Oongi Paattu Paadu Kural Oongi Paattu PaaduRaise your voice and sing out loud.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunivey Thunai Thunive ThunaiCourage is your only ally, courage is your only ally.
Thunive Thunai Music Video
‘Thunive Thunai’ lyrics translation urges unity from ‘Kumari to Himalayas.’ Shankar Ganesh repeats that courage remains the people’s true weapon against oppression. Listeners find clear calls to action in these Tamil lyrics in English.