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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Pattukku Pogathinga

From Ivan · 2002

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singer
Arun Mozhi
Music director
Ilayaraja
Details
Ivan2002

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics↻ English translation
Male
Pattukku pogathingaDon't go away on your own accord.
Ungapattuku pogathingaDon't just wander off as you please.
Male
Pattukku pogathingaDon't go away on your own accord.
Ungapattuku pogathingaDon't just wander off as you please.
Male
Naanga padara patta paathupputtuAfter watching the hardships we suffer,
Ada thuttu kittu podaamalaeHey, without even tossing us any money,
Naanga padara patta paathupputtuAfter watching the hardships we suffer,
Ada thuttu kittu podaamalaeHey, without even tossing us any money,
Male
Pattukku pogathingaDon't go away on your own accord.
Ungapattuku pogathingaDon't just wander off as you please.
Pattukku pogathingaDon't go away on your own accord.
Ungapattuku pogathingaDon't just wander off as you please.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This song uses clever Tamil wordplay and street-performer vernacular around the word 'pattu' (which can denote direction/whim, song, or hardship). The singer addresses passersby and onlookers who watch street artists perform or suffer without offering compensation. It humorously yet poignantly pleads with the audience not to walk away nonchalantly ('ungapattuku') after witnessing their plight ('padara pattu') without tossing a few coins ('thuttu'). The track captures the raw, conversational style of street theater and folk performance art.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Sledai (Pun / Polysemy)

“Ungapattuku pogathinga / Naanga padara patta paathupputtu”

The word 'pattu' is deployed in multiple senses: 'ungapattuku' (at your own whim/direction) and 'padara pattu' (suffering/hardships), creating witty linguistic layering.

Ethukai (Second-letter Rhyme)

“Naanga padara patta paathupputtu / Ada thuttu kittu podaamalae”

Rhyming of the second consonant sound 'dd/tt' (ட/ட்) across 'padara' and 'thuttu' to enhance rhythmic oral delivery.

Anaphora & Repetition

“Pattukku pogathinga / Ungapattuku pogathinga”

Repetition of the primary hook line underscores the street performer's persistent plea to the fleeting audience.

Did you know?

Trivia

The movie 'Ivan' (2002) was written, directed, and produced by R. Parthiban, an artist famed for his inventive use of Tamil wordplay, meta-cinema, and focus on grass-roots art forms. Ilaiyaraaja composed the soundtrack, infusing authentic folk energy into this track.

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