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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Dosu Kodukka Venum

From Maappillai 1952 Film · 1952

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singers
Trichy Loganathan, A. G. Rathnamala
Music directors
N. S. Balakrishnan, T. R. Pappa
Details
Maappillai 1952 Film1952

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Dosu kodukka venumA dose must be given
Sariyaana dosu kodukka venumA proper dose must be given
Dosu kodukka venumA dose must be given
Sariyaana dosu kodukka venumA proper dose must be given
Mosamaana endha casekkum thagunthaSuitable for any terrible situation
Dosu kodukkanumA dose must be given
Both :Sariyaana dosu kodukka venumBoth: A proper dose must be given
Female
Moonu manikkoru vaelai thavaraamaEvery three hours without missing a turn
Dosu kodukak venumA dose must be given
Female
Irundhadhu ponadhu nilamai theriyaadhaFor the one who forgets their past and present condition
Pudhu panakkaranukkumFor the newly rich man
Munnae irundhadhu ponadhu nilamai theriyaadhaFor the one who forgets their past and present condition from before
Pudhu panakkaranukkumFor the newly rich man
Male :Ezhai paattaaliMale: To the poor laborer
Ezhai paattaali vaazhvai keduthidumWho destroys the life of the poor laborer
Irakkamae ilaldha irumbhu pettikumFor the merciless, iron-safe miser
Female
Kaalathukku thaguntha jalar pottu varumWho sycophantically flatters according to the current trend
Kabodhi pasangalukkumFor those blind, foolish rascals
Indha kaalathukku thaguntha jalar pottu varumWho sycophantically flatters according to these changing times
Kabodhi pasangalukkumFor those blind, foolish rascals
Male
Kaariyam saathikkaTo achieve their selfish goals
Sondha kaariyam saathikkaTo accomplish their own ulterior motives
Kolu mooti varum kaakka pasangalukkumFor the crow-like sycophants who stir up trouble
Taekka koduthu nallaUsing deceptive tactics
Female
Vanjagamagavae vattikku vattiTreacherously charging interest upon interest
Vaangum aiyogiyanukkumFor the scoundrel who collects it
Vanjagamagavae vattikku vattiTreacherously charging interest upon interest
Vaangum aiyogiyanukkumFor the scoundrel who collects it
Vatti vaangum aiyogiyanukkumFor the scoundrel who collects heavy interest
Male
Panja kaalathilum padhavi mogathilumEven during times of famine and in the lust for power
Indha panja kaalathilum padhavi mogathilumIn these times of famine and in the lust for power
Minji vilaiyaadum lanja pidaarikkumFor the rampant demon of corruption and bribery
Female
Kalla markettilae kollaiyadichidumWho loots in the black market
Kana thanavaangalukkumFor the arrogant wealthy elite
Kalla markettilae kollaiyadichidumWho loots in the black market
Kana thanavaangalukkumFor the arrogant wealthy elite
Asal kana thanavaangalukkumFor the truly arrogant rich elite
Male
Katchi perai solliIn the name of political parties
Pala katchi perai solli kaasai parichidumWho extract money in the name of many political parties
Pachondhi kumbalukkum fraud pasangalukkumFor the chameleon-like crowd and fraudulent tricksters

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This satirical social commentary from the 1952 movie 'Maappillai' uses the medical metaphor of administering a 'dose' (prescription) to cure the moral ailments of society. Written by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass, the song systematically targets corrupt elements, including arrogance among the nouveau riche, ruthless money-lenders who exploit poor laborers with exorbitant interest rates, bootlicking flatterers, black-market hoarders during times of scarcity, corrupt officials seeking bribes, and opportunistic political scammers.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor

Dosu kodukka venum

The term 'Dosu' (medical dose) is used as a metaphor for giving severe punishment or corrective lessons to societal evildoers.

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

Pachondhi kumbalukkum fraud pasangalukkum

The second character 'sh/ch' ('Pachondhi', 'Fraud') provides structural rhythmic harmony across the line.

Imagery

Irakkamae ilaldha irumbhu pettikum

'Iramkamae illadha irumbhu petti' creates a vivid image of a heartless miser guarding an iron safe box.

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Trivia

This track showcases lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass's trademark style of blending colloquial social satire with rhythmically catchy street-style lyricism. 'Maappillai' (1952) featured music composed by N. S. Balakrishnan and T. R. Pappa, reflecting the political and social reformist themes prominent in mid-20th century Tamil cinema.

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