- Lyricist
- Madurai Maniyam
- Singer
- Manorama
- Music director
- V. Kumar
- Movie name
- Singapore Seeman
- Movie release year
- 1969
- Lyrics added on
- 22 Jun 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
This energetic and comic song performed by legendary singer-actress Manorama features playful street-slang (Madras Baashai) chiding and satirical commentary. The speaker calls out a cunning and lazy character ('mollamaari capemaari somaari') and urges them to take advantage of moments when no one is watching to twist situation to their favor. Interwoven with local cultural motifs like the temple festivities of Goddess Magamaayi/Mariamman in Samayapuram during the month of Aadi, the song blends folk devotion with humorous scheming, encouraging the listener not to be hesitant or shy if they want their wishes fulfilled.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Mollamaari capemaari somaari”
The repetitive rhythmic suffixes '-maari' (mollamaari, capemaari, somaari) create a catchy and humorous end rhyme.
Wordplay / Polysemy (Shleshai)
“Endha maari nee endha maari”
The word 'maari' is cleverly played with as slang for 'type/kind' (endha maari) while echoing the name of the deity Mariamman (Magamaayi).
Anaphora (Repetition for Emphasis)
“Edhaiyum seiyalaam kadhaiya maathalaam”
Repetition of identical lines builds dynamic comic rhythm typical of Tamil folk musical plays.
Did you know?
Trivia
This iconic track from 'Singapore Seeman' (1969) highlights Manorama's signature versatility in rendering Madras Baashai dialect with theatrical flair. Composed by V. Kumar with lyrics by Madurai Maniyam, the song showcases the unique blend of folk devotional imagery and urban street humor.
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