Desh Thillana Lyrics and Meaning Explained

Here we are talking about desh thillan which is not a single word but a combination of two words – desh and thillan. Here, desh is a raag and thillan is a type of singing done under the genre of Carnatic music. It is similar to tarana in Indian classical music which fast-paced and is not made up of words but meaningless sounds like ta na dhim dere etc. 

Lyrics

(Verse 1 – Pallavi) Desh raagam, thillana gati, Thaka dhimi thaka dhimi thaana.

(Verse 2 – Pallavi) Nadhroopaka, nadhopaka, Thaka dhimi thaka dhimi thaana.

(Verse 3 – Charanam) Sarasamukhi, mrudhu bhashini, Madhura koojitha sangeetha priya.

Sarasa nadha sudha rasika, Sarasa padha nidha paksha vahini.

(Refrain) Thara jham jham jhampa nidham nidham, Thom thom thom thom thom thom thom thom.

(Outro – Pallavi) Desh raagam, thillana gati, Thaka dhimi thaka dhimi thaana

Meaning

Verse 1 – Pallavi

The first line of the song introduces the genre of the song, which is a folk song. It also mentions the rhythmic tempo of the song, which is thillana gati. This is a type of rhythmic tempo that is often used in folk music. The final phrase of the line, “thaka dhimi thaka dhimi thaana,” refers to a steady beat. This is another important feature of folk music.

Verse 2 – Pallavi

This line repeats the first line of the song, emphasizing the importance of rhythm in folk music.

Verse 3 – Charanam

This line describes the qualities of a folk singer. She is described as having a beautiful face, a sweet voice, and a love of sweet songs. She is also described as being a connoisseur of sweet sounds, and as carrying sweet melodies with her.

Refrain

This refrain repeats the rhythmic beats of bells and drums, emphasizing the importance of rhythm in folk music.

Outro – Pallavi

This line repeats the first line of the song, bringing it to a close.

Additional Resources

• Desh Thillana – Rasiga – https://youtu.be/u5ypFtoOK1U 
• Desh Thillana – Apoorva Jayaraman – https://youtu.be/QrS2pqg_PRg