- Lyricist
- Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
- Singer
- T. M. Soundararajan
- Music director
- T. Chalapathi Rao
- Movie name
- Uthami Petra Rathinam
- Movie release year
- 1959
- Lyrics added on
- 25 Aug 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This humorous yet philosophical song from the 1959 film 'Uthami Petra Rathinam' highlights human greed, opportunism, and entitlement. The central proverb 'Irukka konjam idangkoduthaal, padukka panju methai kekkum' means that if you give someone an inch (a small space to sit), they will eventually demand a mile (a luxurious cotton mattress to sleep on). Lyricist Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass uses sharp, colloquial Tamil slang to warn against arrogance, deception, and taking advantage of someone's kindness or patience. Set to a catchy melody by T. Chalapathi Rao and energetically rendered by T. M. Soundarajan, the song serves as a satirical commentary on social behavior and human nature.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monai (Alliteration)
“Murukku kaatti munumunukkaadhae”
Repetition of initial consonant sounds like 'Irukka' and 'idangkoduthaal' or 'Murukku' and 'Muraipadhaal'.
Ethirai (Rhyme)
“Takkar pannadhae makkar pannadhae”
Rhyming second letters in consecutive lines, such as 'Murukku' / 'Muraipadhaal' or 'Takkar' / 'Makkar'.
Slang / Local Idiom
“Adakku dapsa chipsa kapsa pottu pakkirathai”
Use of rhyming Madras Tamil slang words like 'dapsa, chipsa, kapsa' and 'danguvaaru' to add humor and local flavor.
Did you know?
Trivia
The song is famous for popularizing the well-known Tamil proverb 'Irukka idham koduthaal padukka paai kekkum' in a rhythmic musical format. Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass incorporated vibrant Madras slang into the lyrics, making it an enduring hit for T. M. Soundarajan.
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