- Lyricist
- Gangai Amaran
- Singer
- Gangai Amaran
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Themmangu Paattukaaran
- Movie release year
- 1997
- Lyrics added on
- 30 Dec 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song is a witty, folk-style satire addressed to a police head constable ('Yettaiyaa'). The singer mockingly warns that his song serves as an outspoken 'hunt' against fraudsters, exploiters of the poor, and cowards hiding behind power. Through playful subversion, he compares the lives of ordinary working-class citizens with those of authority figures. He points out the irony that while common villagers are only temporary prisoners when brought to a station, government officers are permanent 'prisoners of the state' bound day and night by rigid duties, rules, and superiors. Though poor, common people enjoy genuine freedom, whereas the officer's status comes at the cost of personal liberty.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Iyaipu (End Rhyme)
“Adhu ezhaigala yeippavarkkum / Yemaathi pozhaippavarkkum / Kozhai manam kondavarkkum”
The lines end with matching suffixes ('-varkkum'), creating a rhythmic impact suited for folk storytelling.
Muran (Satirical Contrast / Irony)
“Aanaa ongala pol ullavanga... Eppavumae government kaidhinga thaan”
Presents a sharp satirical contrast between common people who have actual freedom and police officers who are ironically 'government prisoners' bound 24/7.
Monai (Initial Assonance / Rhyme)
“Yettaiyaa naan / Eduthu paada poren”
Assonance on the starting vowel sounds ('Ye' / 'E') at the beginning of phrases.
Did you know?
Trivia
The term 'Yettaiyaa' is a colloquial rural Tamil expression derived from 'Head Constable' (Grade-8 Officer, historically referred to as 'Yettu' in Tamil police jargon). Lyricist Gangai Amaran frequently uses such authentic rural idioms and satirical folk humor to critique social structures in his songwriting.
Keep listening
Songs with a similar feeling
From the same album
More songs from Themmangu Paattukaaran
View albumSpot an issue?
Help us improve the lyrics or English translation.