A.R. Rahman and Vairamuthu join forces for ‘Madrasai Suthi,’ a lively Tamil track from the album ‘May Madham.’ The composer crafts a vibrant melody, while the poet writes lyrics that celebrate the charm of Madras. The song features Shahul Hameed, Swarnalatha, and Manorama, who bring the city’s spirit to life.
Released: November 25, 2023
Madrasai Suthi
A.R. Rahman | Vairamuthu • From “May Madham”
May Madham’s Madrasai Suthi Tamil Lyrics English Translation
Vairamuthu describes the bustling streets of Madras, mentioning iconic spots like Marina Beach and the Lighthouse. He writes, ‘I’ll arrive just like the Queen of Spades,’ blending pride with playful confidence. The songwriter also highlights local markets and the city’s love for cinema, creating a vivid map of Madras.
Madrasai Suthi Pakka PorenI’m going to take a tour all around Madras.
Marinavil Veedu Katta PorenI’m going to build a home on Marina’s shore.
Light Houseil Yeri Nikka PorenI’m going to climb the Lighthouse and stand tall.
Naan Mangatha Rani Pola VarenI’ll arrive just like the Queen of Spades.
Naan Mangatha Rani Pola VarenI’ll come through like a queen ready for the game.
Madrasai Suthi Pakka PorenI’m going to explore every corner of Madras.
Marinavil Veedu Katta PorenI’m going to build my house on the Marina sands.
Light Houseil Yeri Nikka PorenI’m going to stand at the top of the Lighthouse.
Naan Mangatha Rani Pola VarenI’ll show up like the Queen of Spades.
Madrasai Suththi Katta PorenI’m going to show you all around Madras.
Marinavil Sundal Vaangi TharenI’ll buy you some ‘Sundal’ (spiced chickpeas) at the Marina.
Idhu Thaane Ribbon Building PaaruLook here, this is the iconic ‘Ribbon Building’ (city hall).
Idhukku Ungappan Per Vaikka Solla PorenI’m going to tell ’em to name it after your father.
Idhukku Ungappan Per Vaikka Solla PorenI’ll ask them to put your dad’s name right on it.
Ada Cinema Pidikkum KodambakkamHey, Kodambakkam is where the movies are loved.
Aeroplane Irangum MeenambakkamMeenambakkam is where the planes touch down.
Foreign Sarakku Burma BazarYou’ll find foreign goods at ‘Burma Bazar’.
Namma Ulloor Sarakku Jam BazaruAnd our local stuff is found at ‘Jam Bazar’.
Yeh Ponnu Yeh PonnuHey girl, oh hey girl,
Idha Pakkadha Kannenna KannuWhat kind of eyes are those if they don’t see this?
Yeh Ponnu Yeh PonnuHey girl, oh hey girl,
Ennaittukinnu Podi En KannuCome along with me now, my dear.
Madrasin HeroThe true hero of Madras,
Adhu Metro WaterIt’s the ‘Metro Water’ (public supply).
Aana Stylena IppoBut if you’re looking for style,
Kudi Mineral WaterGo ahead and drink mineral water now.
Madrasin GeedhamThe anthem of Madras,
Adhu Auto Auto SaththamdhanIt’s just the constant roar of the autos.
All In All Kettan OruThe local know-it-all is holding,
Photo Photo KaiyildhanA photograph right there in his hand.
Onnu Mamiyaru ThollaiOne’s the trouble from a mother-in-law,
Illa Mugamoodi KollaiOr maybe it’s a masked heist.
Aanal Ismailum AbrahamumBut Ismail and Abraham both,
Indianaga Vaazhum OoruLive as Indians in this city.
Madrasai Suthi Pakka PorenI’m heading out to see the sights of Madras.
Marinavil Veedu Katta PorenI’m going to build a home on Marina’s shore.
Light Houseil Yeri Nikka PorenI’m going to climb the Lighthouse and stand tall.
Naan Mangatha Rani Pola VarenI’ll arrive just like the Queen of Spades.
Naan Mangatha Rani Pola VarenI’ll come through like a queen ready for the game.
Ponnu Yeh PonnuHey girl, oh hey girl,
Nastah Thunna Vaadi En KannuCome and grab some breakfast, my dear.
Unna Koottikinnu Poren CinemakkuI’m taking you with me to the movies.
Illa Koththikinnu Povan PorambokkuOr some ‘Poramboke’ (scoundrel) will snatch you away.
Kaalam Kettu Pochu MavarasiTimes have really changed, my princess.
Summa Gappunnu Isukkudhu MugarasiYour radiant face just draws me in.
Mooththava Solren Idha YosiThink about what this elder is telling you.
Naan Moonu Thalaimuraiya MadharasiI’ve been a ‘Madrasi’ (local resident) for three generations.
Vellaikkaran KottaiThe white man’s fort (Fort St. George),
Adhu Pazhaiya MadrasThat’s the Madras of the past.
Raniyamma PettaiRaniyamma Pettai,
Idhu Pudhiya MadrasNow this is the new Madras.
One Wayil Pugundhu KoodaEven if we slip through a one-way street,
Madrasa Suththi PakkalamWe can still tour all of Madras.
Centraliyum EgmoreiyumBetween Central and Egmore stations,
Suththi Katti Nee Thuddu SekkalamYou can make some money showing people around.
Cinema Paiththiyam Endral MadrasIf there’s a craze for cinema, it’s in Madras.
Kaadhal Paiththiyam Endral MadrasIf there’s a craze for love, it’s in Madras.
Inga Illa Joli Packet GaliThere’s no work here and our pockets are empty,
Aana Lifeo Jolly JollyBut life’s still just jolly and grand.
Madrasai Suthi Pakka PorenI’m going to explore all of Madras.
Marinavil Veedu Katta PorenI’m going to build a home on Marina’s shore.
Light Houseil Yeri Nikka PorenI’m going to climb the Lighthouse and stand tall.
Naan Mangatha Rani Pola VarenI’ll arrive just like the Queen of Spades.
Naan Mangatha Rani Pola VarenI’ll come through like a queen ready for the game.
Light Houseil Yeri Nikka PorenI’m going to climb the Lighthouse and stand tall.
Naan Madrasin Rani Pola VarenI’ll arrive just like the Queen of Madras.
Madrasai Suthi Music Video
What does ‘Madrasai Suthi’ mean? The lyrics celebrate the culture, humor, and resilience of Madras. Featuring Shahul Hameed and Swarnalatha, this Tamil classic from ‘May Madham’ offers a musical tour of the city.