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Lyrics & meaning

Thanthanathan Thamukkadichan

From Thangamalai Ragasiyam · 1957

Lyricist
Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam
Singers
S. C. Krishnan, K. Rani, Chorus
Music director
T. G. Lingappa
Details
Thangamalai Ragasiyam1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Haaa..aa….haaa..aa…Vocalizing (Haaa..aa....haaa..aa...)
Thanthanathan thamukkadichaanHe beat the kettledrum with a rhythmic beat
Thaiyathakadi pottukunnanHe danced a joyous festive jig
Chorus :Ha haa haa haaa haa haaChorus: Ha haa haa haaa haa haa
Thanthanathan thamukkadichaanHe beat the kettledrum with a rhythmic beat
Thaiyathakadi pottukunnanHe danced a joyous festive jig
Male
Veeradhi veran sooradhi sooranThe bravest of the brave, the grandest of heroes
Jooraana sippayi nanaeI am a stylish and mighty soldier
Balae jooraaana sippayi nanaeBravo, I am indeed a stylish and mighty soldier
Chorus
Veeradhi veran sooradhi sooranThe bravest of the brave, the grandest of heroes
Jooraana sippayi naangaWe are stylish and mighty soldiers
Balae jooraaana sippayi naangaBravo, we are indeed stylish and mighty soldiers
Male
Vasthathungalai iluthu vechiDragging the grand masters and champions forward
Vaalai vettura sippayi naanI am the soldier who cuts off their arrogant tails
Chorus :Ha haa haa haaa haa haaChorus: Ha haa haa haaa haa haa
Male :Vasthathungalai iluthu vechiMale: Dragging the grand masters and champions forward
Vaalai vettura sippayi naanI am the soldier who cuts off their arrogant tails
Paanju vara puliyai summaaA tiger pouncing forward, effortlessly
Panthadikkira sippayiI am the soldier who plays with it like a ball
Naan panthadikkira sippayi naanI am the soldier who kicks it like a ball
Chorus
Veeradhi veran sooradhi sooranThe bravest of the brave, the grandest of heroes
Jooraana sippayi naangaWe are stylish and mighty soldiers
Balae jooraaana sippayi naangaBravo, we are indeed stylish and mighty soldiers
Female
Haa..aaa..aaa..aaa..Vocalizing (Haa..aaa..aaa..aaa..)
Veeran pola velicham podumShining bright pretending to be a true hero
Vethuvettu sippayi neeYou are just a useless, dud soldier
Vennaivetti sippayiA soldier who can only cut soft butter
Chorus :Ha haa haa haaa haaChorus: Ha haa haa haaa haa
Female :Veeran pola velicham podumFemale: Shining bright pretending to be a true hero
Vethuvettu sippayi neeYou are just a useless, dud soldier
Vennaivetti sippayiA soldier who can only cut soft butter
Kaanju pona rottikaagaJust to get a piece of dry, stale bread
Panaju vara sippayiA soldier who comes pouncing eagerly
Nee pazhaiya sothu sippayiYou are a soldier who fights for stale leftover rice
Kaanju pona rottikaagaJust to get a piece of dry, stale bread
Panaju vara sippayiA soldier who comes pouncing eagerly
Nee pazhaiya sothu sippayiYou are a soldier who fights for stale leftover rice
Chorus
Thanthanathan thamukkadichaanHe beat the kettledrum with a rhythmic beat
Thaiyathakadi pottukunnanHe danced a joyous festive jig
Thanthanathan thamukkadichaanHe beat the kettledrum with a rhythmic beat
Thaiyathakadi pottukunnanHe danced a joyous festive jig
Chorus :Ha haa haa haaa haa haa……Chorus: Ha haa haa haaa haa haa...

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This playful track from 'Thangamalai Ragasiyam' (1957) is a lighthearted musical banter and boastful song centered on soldiers. The male lead/group boasts about their supreme bravery, grand stature, and ability to easily overpower mighty tigers or humble arrogant champions. In response, the female vocalist humorously punctures their inflated ego, calling them useless soldiers who act tough but can only fight soft butter or pounce eagerly for stale bread and dry food crumbs.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Moni / Rhyme & Rhythm (Monai & Ethirai)

Thanthanathan thamukkadichaan

Use of matching initial sounds and rhythmic syllables like 'Thanthanathan thamukkadichaan' paired with 'Thaiyathakadi pottukunnan'.

Metaphor / Humor (Sarcastic Idiom)

Vennaivetti sippayi

The term 'Vennaivetti' (butter cutter) is used metaphorically as a humorous insult for a coward or weak soldier who can only slice through butter rather than enemies.

Hyperbole (Uvamanai)

Paanju vara puliyai summaa

Exaggerating combat skill by claiming to play ball with a pouncing wild tiger ('Paanju vara puliyai summaa Panthadikkira sippayi').

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by T. G. Lingappa, 'Thangamalai Ragasiyam' (1957) features memorable comedy and folk-infused tracks. This duet showcases S. C. Krishnan's signature energetic comedic playback singing alongside K. Rani, adding vibrant theatrical humor to the movie.

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