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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Serthukko Kaasu

From Aan Pillai Singam · 1975

Lyricist
‘Avinasi’ Mani
Singer
Vani Jairam
Music director
Vijaya Bhaskar
Movie name
Aan Pillai Singam
Movie release year
1975
Lyrics added on
7 Oct 2021

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Saerththuko kaasu saerththukko
Saerththuko kaasu saerththukko
Saeumpothae paarththukko
Saerththuko kaasu saerththukko
Saeumpothae paarththukko
Selvam irunthaal ulagam vanagum
Selvam irunthaal ulagam vanagum
Saerththuko kaasu saerththukko…..oo…..oo….
Aasaiyulla pakkam velli kaasaiyalli veesu
Odi vanthu nirkkum nee sonnathellaam ketkkum
Aasaiyulla pakkam velli kaasaiyalli veesu
Odi vanthu nirkkum nee sonnathellaam ketkkum
Perum Puazhum thevaiyillai
Haa naalum sugaththai anupavippom
Selvam irunthaal ulagam vanagum
Selvam irunthaal ulagam vanagum
Saerththuko kaasu saerththukko…..oo…..oo….
Vellai kaakka ondru
Angae poguthendru sonnaal
Aamaam saami poda
Ingae aayiram per undu
Vellai kaakka ondru
Angae poguthendru sonnaal
Aamaam saami poda
Ingae aayiram per undu
Ellaam panaththin leelaigalae
Yaarum adhan mun adimaigalae
Selvam irunthaal ulagam vanagum
Selvam irunthaal ulagam vanagum
Saerththuko kaasu saerththukko…..oo…..oo….
Save money, save up your money!
Save money, save up your money!
Look after it well as it piles up!
Save money, save up your money!
Look after it well as it piles up!
If you have wealth, the world will bow to you.
If you have wealth, the world will bow to you.
Save money, save up your money... oh... oh...
Toss a handful of silver coins toward whatever you desire,
It will come running and obey everything you say.
Toss a handful of silver coins toward whatever you desire,
It will come running and obey everything you say.
We do not need name or fame,
Ha, let us simply enjoy life's pleasures every day!
If you have wealth, the world will bow to you.
If you have wealth, the world will bow to you.
Save money, save up your money... oh... oh...
If you say a white crow
is flying over there,
to nod and agree, "Yes, master!"
there are a thousand people here!
If you say a white crow
is flying over there,
to nod and agree, "Yes, master!"
there are a thousand people here!
All of this is just the game money plays,
and everyone is a slave before it.
If you have wealth, the world will bow to you.
If you have wealth, the world will bow to you.
Save money, save up your money... oh... oh...
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Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

This song serves as a pragmatic and cynical commentary on the power of money in society. It asserts that wealth commands respect, obedience, and pleasure, making the world bow before those who possess it. With money, one can easily manipulate people and command their loyalty. Furthermore, the lyrics highlight the sycophancy that money breeds, illustrated through the classic idiom of people agreeing that a white crow exists just to please a rich person. It concludes that everyone is ultimately a slave to financial power, urging the listener to accumulate wealth to navigate and enjoy life effectively.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Monai (Alliteration)

Saerththuko kaasu saerththukko

Repetition of the initial sound 'S' across words in the line for rhythmic effect.

Idiom / Hyperbole

Vellai kaakka ondru angae poguthendru sonnaal

'Vellai kaakka' (white crow) is an idiom used to illustrate extreme flattery where sycophants agree with absurd statements made by wealthy individuals.

Anaphora (Repetition)

Selvam irunthaal ulagam vanagum

The refrain 'Selvam irunthaal ulagam vanagum' is repeated continuously to emphasize the core philosophy of the lyrics.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Aan Pillai Singam' (1975) featured lyrics written by 'Avinasi' Mani, a well-known writer and lyricist in Tamil cinema recognized for his witty and socially reflective songs during the 1970s.

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