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Isaimozhi
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
Details
Petra Maganai Vitra Annai1958

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Dilrabsaa pandraangoThey are putting on stylish airs,
Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangooOh dear, these people are full of big lies!
Female
Oo…ooo nammae jaadai kaatturangoOh... they are making subtle gestures at us,
Enaangoo thambidi thaarangooWhat is this, sir? They are giving us mere copper coins!
Male :Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangooMale: Oh dear, these people are full of big lies!
Female
Oo…ooo nammae jaadai kaatturangoOh... they are making subtle gestures at us,
Enaangoo thambidi thaarangooWhat is this, sir? They are giving us mere copper coins!
Male :Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangooMale: Oh dear, these people are full of big lies!
Female
{Kaasukaaga pallai kaattum{We aren't the kind of people who fake a smile for money,
Jadhiyillae naangaWe do not belong to such a breed.
Male
Kannaikinnai kaatinaakkaaIf you wink or make eyes at us,
Kathikuthu thaangoo} (2)You will end up getting stabbed with a knife!} (2)
Female
Aasai kaatti mosam seiyumYou gentlemen who entice and deceive us,
Aiyaamaare pongaBe on your way, sirs!
Male :Aayusu mudinju ponaaMale: If your lifespan has come to an end,
Anjaamalae vaangaCome forward without fear!
Female
Oo…ooo enga raaja irukaiyilaeOh... while our king is right here,
Enga raaja irukaiyilaeWhile our king is right here,
Killadi pasanga enna koosaama pakkuraanThese cunning fellows glare at me without any shame!
Male :Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangooMale: Oh dear, these people are full of big lies!
Female
Oo…ooo enga raaja irukaiyilaeOh... while our king is right here,
Enga raaja irukaiyilaeWhile our king is right here,
Killadi pasanga enna koosaama pakkuraanThese cunning fellows glare at me without any shame!
Male :Diyoodiyoo kabsa janangooMale: Oh dear, these people are full of big lies!

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

Keep listening

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