Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Irukka Idam Koduthal

From Uthami Petra Rathinam · 1959

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
T. Chalapathi Rao
Details
Uthami Petra Rathinam1959

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Irukka konjam idangkoduthaal podhumIf you give a little space to sit, that is enough.
Irukka konjam idangkoduthaal podhumIf you give a little space to sit, that is enough.
Padukka panju methai kekkum kaalamTime will eventually demand a soft cotton bed to lie down on.
Padukka panju methai kekkum kaalamTime will eventually demand a soft cotton bed to lie down on.
Irukka konjam idangkoduthaal podhumIf you give a little space to sit, that is enough.
Male
Murukku kaatti munumunukkaadhaeDo not show off your pride and grumble around.
Muraipadhaal undhan jambam palikkadhaeYour arrogant show-off will not work just by glaring.
Murukku kaatti munumunukkaadhaeDo not show off your pride and grumble around.
Muraipadhaal undhan jambam palikkadhaeYour arrogant show-off will not work just by glaring.
Male
Kedakkuthendrae poruthu ponaaIf one stays patient thinking things are easily available...
Kedakkuthendrae poruthu ponaaIf one stays patient thinking things are easily available...
Padukka panju methai kekkum kaalamTime will eventually demand a soft cotton bed to lie down on.
Male
Irukka konjam idangkoduthaal podhumIf you give a little space to sit, that is enough.
Irukka konjam idangkoduthaal podhumIf you give a little space to sit, that is enough.
Male
Daavukeevu kaatti summa yeikiradhaiShowing off fake antics and deceiving people unnecessarily,
Adakku dapsa chipsa kapsa pottu pakkirathaiRestrain yourself from cooking up lies, fabrications, and cheap tricks,
Dambasaari polae aalai meikkiradhaiManaging and herding people like a spendthrift playboy,
Niruthu danguvaaru arundhu pogum jaagirathaiStop it, beware, or your support strap will snap!
Takkar pannadhae makkar pannadhaeDo not pick a fight and do not throw tantrums,
Takkar pannadhae makkar pannadhaeDo not pick a fight and do not throw tantrums,
Padukka panju methai kekkum kaalamTime will eventually demand a soft cotton bed to lie down on.
Male
Irukka konjam idangkoduthaal podhumIf you give a little space to sit, that is enough.
Irukka konjam idangkoduthaal podhumIf you give a little space to sit, that is enough.
Padukka panju methai kekkum kaalamTime will eventually demand a soft cotton bed to lie down on.
Padukka panju methai kekkum kaalamTime will eventually demand a soft cotton bed to lie down on.
Male
……………………....

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

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.

Keep listening

More from Uthami Petra Rathinam