- Lyricist
- Piraisoodan
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, Saibaba
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Chinna Devan
- Movie release year
- 1993
- Lyrics added on
- 3 Dec 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This song is a satirical, high-energy folk narrative warning a mischievous local boy named Pichamuthu about the consequences of his foolish and idle behavior. The lyrics mock his unproductive lifestyle, peeping habits, and tendency to stir up trouble in the village, warning him that he is heading straight for a severe public thrashing ('dharma adi'). Through playful banter, rhythmic folk refrains, and classic proverbs, the song highlights the absurdity of contemporary times where morals are declining and youth are deviating from discipline. Ultimately, the singer uses the song as a didactic tool, stating that moral lessons delivered through music can slowly reform the village and guide the youth toward proper behavior before it is too late.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Edhugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Odha vaanga poraan daa machaan / Dharma adi vaanga poraan daa machaan”
The second consonant 'dha' rhymes across consecutive lines ('Odha' and 'Dharma').
Proverb / Folk Idiom (Pazhamozhi)
“Anjil valanjaa thaan daa / Yei ambadhil valaiyum paaradaa”
Uses the traditional Tamil proverb 'Anjil valaiyaadhadhu ambadhil valaiyaadhu' (If it doesn't bend at five, it won't bend at fifty) to emphasize early discipline.
Hyperbole / Absurdist Imagery
“Kaala maadu kooda / Kannu podum kaalam thaanadaa / Seval vandhu mutta podum”
Exaggerates the absurdity of the current era by claiming even a bull gives birth and a rooster lays eggs.
Monaai (Alliteration)
“Paadam solla paattu”
Repetition of the initial sound 'P' in 'Paadam' and 'Paattu'.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Chinna Devan' is a 1993 Tamil film starring Vijayakanth. Lyricist Piraisoodan extensively used colloquial rural slang and proverbial folk wisdom in this song to create a lighthearted commentary on village morality.
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