Jikki and S. C. Krishnan deliver a spirited give-and-take in ‘Maanathai Kaapadhum,’ from the 1957 album ‘Mallika.’ Lyricist A. Maruthakasi and composer T. R. Pappa created this Tamil track. It questions rigid notions of male and female conduct.
Maanathai Kaapadhum
Jikki | S. C. Krishnan • From “Mallika (1957)”
Maanathai Kaapadhum Lyrics Meaning Jikki | S. C. Krishnan | Mallika (1957)
Jikki challenges fixed definitions, asking if “adakkam” (modesty) means becoming a man’s servant. S. C. Krishnan questions if “manjal poosum” (turmeric-applying) women should use “maavai poosudhal” (artificial makeup). A. Maruthakasi structures a domestic debate.
Namma Arivukku Porundhum Muraiyile NadanthuWe must live in a way that aligns with our wisdom,
Anbaga Vazhndhida VenumAnd live with love.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart,
Nalla Madhippai Tharuvadhum PonnuA girl who gives good respect.
Ava Magathuvam Therinju Samathuvam KoduthuKnowing her greatness, giving her equality,
Nadatha Venum Idhai EnnuWe should conduct ourselves thinking this.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart,
Nalla Madhippai Tharuvadhum PonnuA girl who gives good respect.
Idhan Magathuvam Therinju AdakkamagaveKnowing its greatness, she must be demure,
Irukka Venum Idhai EnnuShe should remain so, thinking this.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart,
Nalla Madhippai Tharuvadhum PonnuA girl who gives good respect.
Ava Magathuvam Therinju Samathuvam KoduthuKnowing her greatness, giving her equality,
Nadatha Venum Idhai EnnuWe should conduct ourselves thinking this.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart.
Samathuvaminna An PillaiyoduDoes equality mean fighting with a man,
Sandai Poduthal ThanaIs that all it means?
Samathuvaminna An PillaiyoduDoes equality mean fighting with a man,
Sandai Poduthal ThanaIs that all it means?
Adakkaminna An PillaiyidathilDoes modesty mean becoming a man’s
Adimaiyavadhu ThanaSlave, is that all it is?
Adakkaminna An PillaiyidathilDoes modesty mean becoming a man’s
Adimaiyavadhu ThanaSlave, is that all it is?
VenamNo, we don’t want it.
Adhuvum Idhuvum VenamWe don’t want either this or that.
Namma Arivukku Porundhum Muraiyile NadanthuWe must live in a way that aligns with our wisdom,
Anbaga Vazhndhida VenumAnd live with love.
Namma Arivukku Porundhum Muraiyile NadanthuWe must live in a way that aligns with our wisdom,
Anbaga Vazhndhida VenumAnd live with love.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart,
Nalla Madhippai Tharuvadhum PonnuA girl who gives good respect.
Ava Magathuvam Therinju Samathuvam KoduthuKnowing her greatness, giving her equality,
Nadatha Venum Idhai EnnuWe should conduct ourselves thinking this.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart.
Manjal Poosum Penn PillaiyellamIs it proper for all girls who apply ‘turmeric’
Mavai Poosudhal MuraiyaTo apply ‘flour’ instead?
Manjal Poosum Penn PillaiyellamIs it proper for all girls who apply ‘turmeric’
Mavai Poosudhal MuraiyaTo apply ‘flour’ instead?
Andha Kala Rajavai PoleIs this disguise appropriate,
Indha Veshamum SariyaLike a king from ancient times?
VenamNo, we don’t want it.
Adhuvum Idhuvum VenamWe don’t want either this or that.
Namma Arivukku Porundhum Muraiyile NadanthuWe must live in a way that aligns with our wisdom,
Anbaga Vazhndhida VenumAnd live with love.
Namma Arivukku Porundhum Muraiyile NadanthuWe must live in a way that aligns with our wisdom,
Anbaga Vazhndhida VenumAnd live with love.
Namma Arivukku Porundhum Muraiyile NadanthuWe must live in a way that aligns with our wisdom,
Anbaga Vazhndhida VenumAnd live with love.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart,
Nalla Madhippai Tharuvadhum PonnuA girl who gives good respect.
Ava Magathuvam Therinju Samathuvam KoduthuKnowing her greatness, giving her equality,
Nadatha Venum Idhai EnnuWe should conduct ourselves thinking this.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart,
Nalla Madhippai Tharuvadhum PonnuA girl who gives good respect.
Ava Magathuvam Therinju Samathuvam KoduthuKnowing her greatness, giving her equality,
Nadatha Venum Idhai EnnuWe should conduct ourselves thinking this.
Manathai Kapadhum PonnuA girl who guards the heart.
Maanathai Kaapadhum Music Video
The artists champion mutual respect over rigid roles. They promote actions guided by shared wisdom and affection. This ‘Maanathai Kaapadhum’ lyrics meaning suggests a path to enlightened co-existence through love.