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Petra Maganai Vitra Annai album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Dil Rabsa

From Petra Maganai Vitra Annai · 1958

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singers
S. C. Krishnan, A. G. Rathnamala
Music director
Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy
Movie name
Petra Maganai Vitra Annai
Movie release year
1958
Lyrics added on
20 Jun 2020

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Dilrabsaa pandraango
Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangoo
Oo…ooo nammae jaadai kaatturango
Enaangoo thambidi thaarangoo
Male :Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangoo
Oo…ooo nammae jaadai kaatturango
Enaangoo thambidi thaarangoo
Male :Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangoo
{Kaasukaaga pallai kaattum
Jadhiyillae naanga
Kannaikinnai kaatinaakkaa
Kathikuthu thaangoo} (2)
Aasai kaatti mosam seiyum
Aiyaamaare ponga
Male :Aayusu mudinju ponaa
Anjaamalae vaanga
Oo…ooo enga raaja irukaiyilae
Enga raaja irukaiyilae
Killadi pasanga enna koosaama pakkuraan
Male :Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangoo
Oo…ooo enga raaja irukaiyilae
Enga raaja irukaiyilae
Killadi pasanga enna koosaama pakkuraan
Male :Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangoo
They're trying to flirt and act charming!
These people are total frauds, full of bluff!
Oh... oh, look at them winking and gesturing at us!
Look at that, they're tossing us petty coins!
Male: These people are total frauds, full of bluff!
Oh... oh, look at them winking and gesturing at us!
Look at that, they're tossing us petty coins!
Male: These people are total frauds, full of bluff!
To grin and fawn just for pennies...
...we are not that kind of people!
If you dare make eyes or wink at me,
you will only end up getting stabbed!
Tempting us with empty promises only to deceive,
be on your way, gentlemen!
Male: If you feel your life has run its course,
then step right up without any fear!
Oh... oh, while my king is right here beside me,
while my king is right here beside me,
these cunning rascals stare at me without any shame!
Male: These people are total frauds, full of bluff!
Oh... oh, while my king is right here beside me,
while my king is right here beside me,
these cunning rascals stare at me without any shame!
Male: These people are total frauds, full of bluff!
Male
Female
Female
Female
Male
Female
Female
Female

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This lighthearted and feisty song from the 1958 movie 'Petra Maganai Vitra Annai' features characters engaging in playful street banter mixed with sharp warnings. Written in local colloquial Tamil (Madras Bashai influence), the lyrics depict street performers or commoners rebuffing deceptive men who try to flirt with them or bribe them with cheap coins. The female singer proudly declares her self-respect, threatening violence against anyone who crosses boundaries, while asserting confidence in the presence of her protective 'king'.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (Rhyme / End Scheme)

Dilrabsaa pandraango / Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangoo

Use of matching end sounds ('-ango' / '-angoo') across lines to create a rhythmic folk cadence (pandraango, janangoo, kaatturango, thaarangoo).

Slang / Dialectal Diction (Madras Bashai)

Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangoo

Incorporation of colloquial urban slang words like 'kabsa' (lie/fabrication), 'dilrabsaa' (stylish/fanciful behavior), and 'thambidi' (small copper coin) to add realism and humor.

Anaaphora / Repetition (Iratturathal)

Enga raaja irukaiyilae / Enga raaja irukaiyilae

Repetition of key phrases like 'Enga raaja irukaiyilae' to emphasize confidence and defiance against onlookers.

Did you know?

Trivia

Written by the iconic lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, known for introducing lively folk idioms and early Madras slang into Tamil cinema during the 1950s. The film 'Petra Maganai Vitra Annai' (1958) featured music composed by the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy.

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