Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Custody album cover
Lyrics & meaning

Head Up High

From Custody · 2023

Lyricist
Karunakaran
Singers
Yuvan Shankar Raja, Arun Kaundinya, Asal Kolaar
Music directors
Ilayaraja, Yuvan Shankar Raja
Movie name
Custody
Movie release year
2023
Lyrics added on
14 Mar 2023

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Safety security ikku
Symbol dhaan kaakidaa
Muftila irundha kooda
Poweru pataasu daa
Duty la
Round the clock
Police-cu gettida
Ada public-ka
Distrub panna
Muttiku muttida
Ella neramum
Yaarenum kooppitaa
Munvanthu nirpathu
Naanga dhaanae
Raavaana rowdiyum
Raangaana kediyum
Police- uh kanpatta
Ottam dhaanae
Enga yaarukum inga illa
Family time-u
But wife-ah
Amanjathu intha uniformu
Ella policekum lifeu idhu
Same to sameu
Enna kastam vanthalum
Istam adhu pothum
For safety and security,
Khaki is the true symbol, man!
Even when in plain clothes,
Our power is explosive, man!
On duty,
Round the clock,
The police stand strong, man!
Hey, if anyone
Troubles the public,
We will bust their knees, man!
At any given hour,
If someone calls out for help,
The ones who step forward
Are none other than us!
Even a hardened thug
And a crooked criminal,
Once they spot the police,
Will take to their heels!
None of us here get
Any time for family,
But just like a wife,
This uniform is what we got!
For every police officer, life is
Exactly the same!
No matter what hardship comes,
Our love for the job is all we need!
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This energetic anthem from the movie 'Custody' celebrates the pride, dedication, and challenges of police officers. It highlights the khaki uniform as a symbol of safety and authority, emphasizing that a cop's spirit remains formidable whether in uniform or plain clothes. The lyrics describe their continuous vigilance in protecting the public and deterring criminals from disrupting society. Simultaneously, the song addresses the personal sacrifices officers make, particularly the lack of quality time spent with family. The uniform is metaphorically described as their primary companion or spouse, demanding constant commitment. Despite the intense hardships, long hours, and personal sacrifices inherent to the job, their underlying passion and pride for serving the public keep them moving forward.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Initial Rhyme / Alliteration)

Raavaana rowdiyum / Raangaana kediyum

Repetition of the initial sound 'Raa' in 'Raavaana' and 'Raangaana' creates rhythmic flow and emphasis.

Metaphor

Poweru pataasu daa

Compares the authority and impact of a police officer to an explosive firecracker ('pataasu').

Metaphor / Personification

But wife-ah amanjathu intha uniformu

Metaphorically compares the police uniform to a wife/spouse, emphasizing that the uniform consumes all their devotion and personal time.

Iyaipu (End Rhyme)

Family time-u / ... uniformu / ... sameu

The usage of rhyming terminal sounds ('time-u', 'uniformu', 'sameu') gives the Tanglish lyrics a modern, catchy cadenced ending.

Did you know?

Trivia

The song is featured in the 2023 action thriller 'Custody', directed by Venkat Prabhu and starring Naga Chaitanya. A unique musical highlight of this film is the joint musical collaboration between legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja and his son Yuvan Shankar Raja. Yuvan Shankar Raja also lent his vocals to this energetic track along with popular indie artist Asal Kolaar and singer Arun Kaundinya.

Keep listening

Songs with a similar feeling

From the same album

More songs from Custody

View album

Spot an issue?

Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.