T. M. Soundarajan performs “Pala Pala Ragamaa” in the film Anandha Jodhi, featuring M. G. Ramachandran and Devika. The song, written by Kannadasan with music by Vishwanathan-Ramamoorthy, opens with a vendor’s cry about many kinds of locks. These locks are shown to trap people in different ways.
Pala Pala Ragamaa
T. M. Soundarajan • From “Anandha Jodhi”
Anandha Jodhi’s Pala Pala Ragamaa Lyrics Translation
The lyrics identify specific human failings as metaphorical locks needing repair. For men who brag without humility, the song proposes a “lock on the mouth.” It then suggests a “lock on the mind” for aimless people who wander without purpose, to help them gain focus.
Pala Pala Pala Pala Ragama Irukkuthu PoottuThere are so many, many kinds of locks
Poottu Savi RepairLocks and keys repaired
Pala Pala Pala Pala Ragama Irukkuthu PoottuThere are so many, many kinds of locks
Adhu Pala Vidhama Manithargalai Poottudhu PottuAnd they trap people in so many different ways
Kala Kala Venum Pagutharivu Saviya PottuWith the lively key of reason put to use
Nan Kachidhama Thirandhu Vaippen Idhayathai KattuI’ll neatly unlock it, just show me your heart
Pala Pala Pala Pala Ragama Irukkuthu PoottuThere are so many, many kinds of locks
Adhu Pala Vidhama Manithargalai Poottudhu PottuAnd they trap people in so many different ways
Kala Kala Venum Pagutharivu Saviya PottuWith the lively key of reason put to use
Nan Kachidhama Thirandhu Vaippen Idhayathai KattuI’ll neatly unlock it, just show me your heart
Poottu Savi RepairLocks and keys repaired
Adakkamillame Sabaiyile YeriFor those who rise in public without humility
Alandhu Kottum Angalukku Vayile PoottuFor the men who brag endlessly, a lock on the mouth
Adakkamillame Sabaiyile YeriFor those who rise in public without humility
Alandhu Kottum Angalukku Vayile PoottuFor the men who brag endlessly, a lock on the mouth
Aduthavar Paiyil Iruppadhai KaiyilFor those whose hands take what is in another’s pocket
Alli Kollum Thirudarukku Kaiyile PoottuFor those thieves who scoop it all up, a lock on the hands
Buddhi Kettu Sakthi KettuHaving lost their sense and lost their strength
Polappai Ellam VittuvittuHaving abandoned all means of livelihood
Sutri Varum Somberikku Kalile PoottuFor the lazy ones who wander around, a lock on the feet
Sutri Varum Somberikku Kalile PoottuFor the lazy ones who wander around, a lock on the feet
Pala Pala Pala Pala Ragama Irukkuthu PoottuThere are so many, many kinds of locks
Adhu Pala Vidhama Manithargalai Poottudhu PottuAnd they trap people in so many different ways
Kala Kala Venum Pagutharivu Saviya PottuWith the lively key of reason put to use
Nan Kachidhama Thirandhu Vaippen Idhayathai KattuI’ll neatly unlock it, just show me your heart
Mangaiyar Pinnale Liscence IlameFor those who, without any right
Valaiya Varum Kamugarku Kannile PoottuCircle around women with lust, a lock on the eyes
Mangaiyar Pinnale Liscence IlameFor those who, without any right
Valaiya Varum Kamugarku Kannile PoottuCircle around women with lust, a lock on the eyes
Angumillame IngumillameBeing neither here nor there
Alaingi Varum Moodarukku Manasula PoottuFor the fools who wander aimlessly, a lock on the mind
Urakkam Kettu Valakkam KettuHaving lost their sleep and lost their good habits
Ooru Vamba KettukittuListening only to the town’s gossip
Ullam Ketta Manusarukku Kadhile PoottuFor the people with wicked hearts, a lock on the ears
Ullam Ketta Manusarukku Kadhile PoottuFor the people with wicked hearts, a lock on the ears
Pala Pala Pala Pala Ragama Irukkuthu PoottuThere are so many, many kinds of locks
Poottu Savi RepairLocks and keys repaired
Arivirundhalum VazhithadumariEven for those with knowledge who’ve lost their way
Avadhi Padum Makkalukkum Irukkudhu SaviFor those suffering people, there is also a key
Arivirundhalum VazhithadumariEven for those with knowledge who’ve lost their way
Avadhi Padum Makkalukkum Irukkudhu SaviFor those suffering people, there is also a key
Varumaiyinale VazhkaiyillameFor those who have no life because of poverty
Vadi Pona Veetinaiyum Thirakkudhu SaviThe key can also open up a withered home
Thangamakka UllaththileIn a heart that is golden
Anbu Mikka EnnathileIn a thought filled with love
Thadai Irundha Udaithu Podum Dharmathin SaviThe key of righteousness will shatter any obstacle
Thadai Irundha Udaithu Podum Dharmathin SaviThe key of righteousness will shatter any obstacle
Pala Pala Pala Pala Ragama Irukkuthu PoottuThere are so many, many kinds of locks
Adhu Pala Vidhama Manithargalai Poottudhu PottuAnd they trap people in so many different ways
Kala Kala Venum Pagutharivu Saviya PottuWith the lively key of reason put to use
Nan Kachidhama Thirandhu Vaippen Idhayathai KattuI’ll neatly unlock it, just show me your heart
Poottu Savi RepairLocks and keys repaired
Poottu Savi RepairLocks and keys repaired
Poottu Savi RepairLocks and keys repaired
Pala Pala Ragamaa Music Video
The song moves from listing societal problems to offering a single solution. It uses the vendor’s “Poottu Saavi Repair” chant to frame its serious message. This makes the song a direct call for using reason and righteousness as the master keys to fix human flaws.