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Lyrics & meaning

Mudhal Idam

From Mudhal Idam · 2011

Lyricist
Arivumathi
Singers
Feji, Ranina Reddy, Sam P. Keerthan
Music director
D. Imman
Details
Mudhal Idam2011

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Chorus
Hoo hoooHoo hooo
Hoo hoooHoo hooo
Hoo …………hoooHoo... hooo
Chorus
Mudhal idam….First place...
Thaga thaga thagaThaga thaga thaga
Thaga thaga thagaThaga thaga thaga
Chorus
Mudhal idam….First place...
Chorus
Mudhal idam….First place...
Thanna nae thaane naanaeThanna nae thaane naanae
Hoo ….hooHoo... hoo
Chorus
Thaaiyai thaaiyaai mathikka pazhaguLearn to respect your mother as a true mother
Thavarugal kandaal mithikka pazhaguLearn to trample upon wrongs when you witness them
Unnai unnaal vella pazhaguLearn to conquer yourself by your own strength
Pagaivanum un peyar solla pazhaguLearn to live so even an enemy praises your name
Male :UnakkaeMale: For you alone
Chorus :Mudhal idam….Chorus: The first place...
Chorus
Nanbanai tholil thookka pazhaguLearn to lift a friend onto your shoulders
Ethiriyai yeni aakka pazhaguLearn to turn an enemy into a ladder to step up
Thimirinil kudaigal neetta pazhaguLearn to hold up umbrellas against arrogant power
Thuyarinil thunivai thetra pazhaguLearn to gather courage in times of sorrow
Male :UnakkaeMale: For you alone
Chorus :Mudhal idam….Chorus: The first place...
Chorus
……………………….....
Chorus
Anbaal edhaiyum thiratta pazhaguLearn to gather everything through love
Adaithaal udanae udaikka pazhaguLearn to break down walls instantly if you are confined
Kelvigal nooru ketka pazhaguLearn to ask a hundred questioning doubts
Vidiyalai viraivil meetka pazhaguLearn to retrieve the new dawn swiftly
Male :UnakkaeMale: For you alone
Chorus :Mudhal idam….Chorus: The first place...
Chorus
Mudhal idam…mudhal idamFirst place... first place

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

The song 'Mudhal Idam' is an inspirational call to action, offering guidance on personal character, ethics, and resilience required to achieve top status ('First Place') in life. Written with imperative phrasing ('pazhagu' - learn/practice), lyricist Arivumathi lays down moral principles ranging from filial piety and fighting injustice to conquering self-doubt and lifting friends up.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Iyaibu (End Rhyme / Epiphora)

Thaaiyai thaaiyaai mathikka pazhagu

Every instructional line ends with the imperative word 'pazhagu' (practice/learn), establishing a powerful driving rhythm throughout the song.

Monnai (Initial Alliteration)

Thavarugal kandaal mithikka pazhagu

Repetition of initial consonants like 'Th' in 'Thaaiyai', 'Thavarugal', and 'Thuyarinil' creates melodious Tamil poetic harmony.

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Ethiriyai yeni aakka pazhagu

Comparing an adversary to a ladder ('yeni') that elevates a person rather than stopping them.

Did you know?

Trivia

The film 'Mudhal Idam' (2011) featured music composed by D. Imman. The lyrics were written by poet-lyricist Arivumathi, known for incorporating traditional Tamil moral imperatives (similar to Thirukkural and Aathichudi style) into modern song structures.

Keep listening

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