- Lyricist
- Vaali
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Rickshaw Mama
- Movie release year
- 1992
- Lyrics added on
- 23 Oct 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Oththi Po' from 'Rickshaw Mama' (1992) features a friendly rickshaw driver transporting school children while giving lively, humorous commentary on street life, traffic chaos, and civic sense. He urges pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to show patience and follow traffic rules, contrasting wild animals that maintain disciplined paths with humans who disregard order despite having six senses. Beyond traffic etiquette, the lyricist Vaali infuses a strong moral message aimed at the young passengers. He emphasizes that education must be translated into practice and treats the children as the future rulers ('raasakkal') of the nation, making his rickshaw a vessel carrying the leaders of tomorrow. The song also pays homage to M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), referencing his iconic legacy of donating rickshaws to rickshaw pullers.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Contrast / Muran
“Aanai singam puligal kooda... Aararivu irukkum sanangal Dhinamum route maaruthu”
Contrasts wild animals (elephants, lions, tigers) who stick to their natural tracks with rational human beings (possessing six senses) who break traffic rules daily.
Monai (Initial Alliteration)
“Oram po thooram po”
Repetition of initial soft vocal/consonant rhythm creating a catchy musical cadence.
Metaphor
“Naalaikulla raasakkalai Innaiku yethi pogum vandi”
Metaphorically refers to school children as the 'kings of tomorrow' being transported today in the rickshaw.
Did you know?
Trivia
The line 'MGR thandha vandi' directly references the legendary Tamil actor and former Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran, who famously distributed free cycle-rickshaws to rickshaw pullers in Tamil Nadu to help them gain financial independence. 'Rickshaw Mama' (1992) starred Sathyaraj in the title role, with music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and lyrics penned by Vaali.
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