- Lyricist
- Karaikudi Narayanan
- Singers
- Malaysia Vasudevan, S. P. Sailaja
- Music director
- Chandrabose
- Movie name
- Karaiyai Thodatha Alaigal
- Movie release year
- 1985
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Mar 2022
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This energetic duet from 'Karaiyai Thodatha Alaigal' (1985) combines lively rural folk rhythms with satirical political commentary. The male character lightheartedly expresses his plan to enter politics and gather bribes to achieve personal pleasure and prosperity. In response, the female character delivers a sharp rebuke, comparing his corrupt thoughts to a foul garbage truck and warning him that people will revolt against systemic dishonesty. She encourages hard work, national integrity, and standing by the underprivileged. Interspersed with traditional rhythmic refrains about cool breezes and coconut fronds, the song creates a dynamic dialogue between selfish ambition and social responsibility.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Alliteration (Monaai)
“Thennang keeththu thendral kaaththu”
Repetition of the 'Th' consonant sound across the words creates a gentle, breeze-like rhythm.
Metaphor
“Um puththi kuppa lorry naaruthaiyaa”
Compares corrupt and greedy thinking directly to a foul-smelling garbage lorry.
Second-letter Rhyme (Edhukai)
“Therthalla nikka poren chella rani”
Agreement of the second consonant 'r' across consecutive lines (Therthalla / Theruvellaam).
Onomatopoeia (Chanda Sol)
“Jikku jikkuchaang jikku jikkuchaang”
Use of rhythmic acoustic syllables 'Jikku jikkuchaang' to set a catchy folk dance tempo.
Did you know?
Trivia
Music director Chandrabose was known in the 1980s for combining energetic Tamil folk rhythm patterns with contemporary orchestral arrangements. Sung by Malaysia Vasudevan and S. P. Sailaja, this track serves as a classic example of social commentary embedded inside a commercial folk song.
Keep listening
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