Periyone Rahamane Lyrics & Meaning (Aadujeevitham)

Periyone is soulful prayer from ARR, for the movie Aadujeevitham, aka The Goat Life. Aadujeevitham is a survival story, that happened in the 90s to Najeeb. Najeeb a migrant worker to the middle-east is kidnapped by an Arab and put in charge of his goat farm, far far away from any civilization, His life there as a slave, and his successful escape and return to Kerala was a story written by Benyamin in a book by the same title. 

Periyone is a song from the movie. Actually sung as a hymn by his co-traveller, Hakkim, in the movie. It has to be his prayer, a soulful appeal to the merciless to save them from the harsh dessert, fully parched and arid, and sand that spans the entire universe that they are able to see.

Here is the lyrics of the song and my interpretation of its meanings.

 

English Transliteration	Malayalam	Meaning
Periyone en rahamaaney Periyone rahim Periyone en rahamaaney Periyone rahim	പെരിയോനേ എൻ റഹ്മാനേ ... പെരിയോനേ റഹീം ... പെരിയോനേ എൻ റഹ്മാനേ ... പെരിയോനേ റഹീം ...	Oh Almighty one, Merciful One Oh Almighty one, Merciful One
Angankale Angankale Mannil Puthumazha Veezhanunnde Mannil Puthumazha Veezhanunnde	അങ്ങകലേ അങ്ങകലേ മണ്ണിൽ പുതുമഴ വീഴണൊണ്ടേ മണ്ണിൽ പുതുമഴ വീഴണൊണ്ടേ	Far away, in a distant, amongst these dry sands I smell fresh rain showers
Nenjilorallude Kanneer Veenapol Nenjilorallude Kanneer Veenapolingirunnalum Ariyanonde	െഞ്ചിലൊരാളുടെ കണ്ണീർ വീണപോൽ നെഞ്ചിലൊരാളുടെ കണ്ണീർ വീണപോലിങ്ങിരുന്നാലും അറിയണൊണ്ടേ	Like someone's tears, thats wets my heart I feel the rain, even from afar
Minda Manthari Vaariyeduthathil Kandilla Kandilla Nin Nanav	മിണ്ടാ മൺതരി വാരിയെടുത്തതിൽ കണ്ടില്ല കണ്ടില്ല നിൻ നനവ്	I grab a handfull of grains of sand Couldnt find any of your wetness (moisture)
Kochollangallil Neenthithudichenne Thottilla Thottilla Nin Nanav	കൊച്ചോളങ്ങളിൽ നീന്തിത്തുടിച്ചെന്നെ തൊട്ടില്ല തൊട്ടില്ല നിൻ നനവ്	Little waves, leap and wade But yet you dont soak me
Etharra Dhoorathilaanno Etharra Dhoorathilaanno	എത്തറ ദൂരത്തിലാണോ എത്തറ ദൂരത്തിലാണോ	How far you are? How far afar?
Aattakilliyude Nokkum Parachilum Punjiriyum Kochu Nunnakuzhiyum Aa Ishqinte Njekkuvillakkin Vellichamanullin Iruttarayil	ആറ്റക്കിളിയുടെ നോക്കും പറച്ചിലും പുഞ്ചിരിയും കൊച്ചു നുണക്കുഴിയും ആ ഇഷ്കിന്റെ ഞെക്കുവിളക്കിൻ വെളിച്ചമാണുൾ ഇന്നിരുട്ടറയിൽ	Like a bird, your gaze, chirps and giggle, a cute lil dimple Your love lights up like a torch in this otherwise dark room
Aa Kanninte Thumpathe Thulliyannenude Ghalbin Maruparambil	ആ കണ്ണിന്റെ തുമ്പത്തെ തുള്ളിയാണെന്നുടെ ഖൽബിൻ മരുപ്പറമ്പിൽ	That hint of tear in your eyes moisten my barren heart

 

Toward the latter part, the lines are possibly addressed to his love (wife) who is away at his home, waitng for him to come back. And here he is lost, deserted, parched for water and aching for love. 

The song is on playing on loop mode. Music is haunting. The words a prayer, to his lord and his love. Both of whom are not able to help him at his time of need. Need for escape, water to quench his thirst, and for his love to hold and console him. Its just mesmeric.

Source: പെരിയോനേ @ M3DB

Thiruppugazh - Muthai Tharu (முத்தைத்தரு)

Dont quite recall when or how i was attracted to this tongue twister of a song. It stuck in my head for a long time, but more importantly my mind voice was telling me that i should try this. Just like any other fascinating song. I did, and not able to go beyond the first two words i gave up quickly

Back in 2014 or so, i attempted to decode the lyrics, break the song down and attempt to take a crack at this again. I wrote the lyrics down, stripped song into separate portions, one for each verse of this beautiful song, to allow me to play it in a loop. It worked. I was able to mouth the words "Muthai Muthai tharu pathi thirunakai athikkiRai sathi saravaNa muthi kkoru vithu gurupara ..EnavOthum. (முத்தைத்தரு பத்தித் திருநகை அத்திக்கிறை சத்திச் சரவண முத்திக்கொரு வித்துக் குருபர எனவோதும்)"

Sweet success! But short lived. I couldnt get past that first verse. Worse still that i lost focus and gave up. Fast forward another few years. I think in 2018, i tried again. One verse at a time, added them slowly to my ability to recite. One, one and two, one two and three, and then upto four. Slowly but steadily, i was able to recite without mistakes, the whole beautiful song.

These days i am able to sing the whole poem without flaws from my heart. However i dread recording this, as my sound will do no justice. But i feel quite elated inside as i render this.

English	Tamil	Meaning
Muthai tharu pathi thirunakai athikkiRai sathi saravaNa muthi kkoru vithu gurupara ...... EnavOthum	முத்தைத் தருபத்தித் திருநகை அத்திக்கிறை சத்திச் சரவண முத்திக்கொரு வித்துக் குருபர எனஓதும்	You Lord of Devasenai, her beautiful smile and teeth looking like pearls. You are Saravana holding the sakthivel! You are the seed to Moksha, O Guru
mukkatpara maRku churuthiyin muR-pattathu-kaRpith-iruvarum muppath-mu varkka-thamararum ...... AdipENa	முக்கட்பரமற்குச் சுருதியின் முற்பட்டது கற்பித்திருவரும் முப்பத்துமூவர்க்கத் தமரரும் அடிபேண	Three eyed Lord Shiva, to whom You preached the pranav mantram OM. The other two (Vishnu & Bramha), along multitudes of gods watched obidiently
pathu-thalai thatha kaNaithodu otRaikkiri mathai poruthoru pattappakal vatta thi-kiri-yil ...... Iravaaka	பத்துத்தலை தத்தக் கணைதொடு ஒற்றைக்கிரி மத்தைப் பொருதொரு பட்டப்பகல் வட்டத் திகிரியில் இரவாகப்	One who killed ten-headed Ravana. Helped churn the ocean And made day into night, using his disc (chakra)
pathaR-kira thathai kadaviya pachaippuyal mechh-thakuporuL patsha-thodu ratshith-Arul-vathum ...... Oru NaaLE	பத்தற் கிரதத்தைக் கடவிய பச்சைப்புயல் மெச்சத் தகுபொருள் பட்சத்தொடு ரட்சித் தருள்வதும் ஒருநாளே	One who drove chariot for Partha (Arjuna). That green/blueish colored Vishnu holds you highest regard. Bless and Save me.
thithitheya otha-paripura nirtha-patham vaithu Pai-ravi thikotka-nadhika-kazhu-kodu ...... KazhuthAda	தித்தித் தெய ஒத்தப் பரிபுர நிர்த்தப்பதம் வைத்துப்பயிரவி திக்கொக்கு நடிக்கக் கழுகொடு கழுதாடத்	The anklets in Bhairavi's (Kali) feet jingled as she danced fiercely; covering the eight directions; while the vultures and devils danced along
thikku-pari atta pai-ravar thoku thokuthoku thoku-thoku chithra pavurikku thrikada-ka ...... enavOtha	திக்குப் பரி அட்டப் பயிரவர் தொக்குத் தொகு தொக்குத் தொகுதொகு சித்ரப்பவுரிக்குத் ரிகட கெனவோதக்	the gods (bhairavars) that protect these directions (corners) danced along
kothuppaRai kotta kaLamisai kukkukkuku kukkuk kukukuku kuthipputhai puku-pidiyena ...... muthu-kUkai	கொத்துப்பறை கொட்டக் களமிசை குக்குக் குகு குக்குக் குகுகுகு குத்திப் புதை புக்குப் பிடியென முதுகூகை	while the parai (drum) sound and other sounds from the battlefield add to this fury
kotputRezha natpatRa-UNarai vetti paliyittu kulakiri kuthuppada othu poravala ...... PerumALE.	கொட்புற்றெழ நட்பற் றவுணரை வெட்டிப்பலி இட்டுக் குலகிரி குத்துப்பட ஒத்துப் பொரவல பெருமாளே!	the hostile asuras killed with vengance; lead by you.. O Perumaale (The poet equates Muruga to Perumaal - signifying they are all the same)

 

 

Aasai Mugam Marandhu Pochae

 

"Aasai Mugam Marandhu Pochae" is poem written by Subramania Bharathi, or simply referred fondly as Bharathi or formally with his title as "Maha Kavi" Bharathiyar. 

So many of his poems are written with a passion for Kannan. Kannan is an interesting term that used in Thamizh culture. A direct reference to Lord Krishna, who affectionately called as Kannan, specially manifesting as the naughty child constantly upto some mischief. Numerous stories that glorify these acts. But this term therefore also equally applies to that special someone in your life that you love or are fond of.

This poem is written apparently lamenting the loss of a picture of his mother, the only one had (as per numerous sites and references on the web). However he played with words, specially using the term Kannan to allow dual references. Allowing the listener to apply the meaning appropriately. 

I came across this song on youtube quite by accident while i was still recovering from my Covid-19 attack. This rendition by Suchitra quickly caught my fancy. Bharathi words, or maybe because heard a few other poems, are relatively easy to grasp and understand. After playing it on loop for sometime, i had find more on the lyrics, meanings. Thats when i came across the story behind the song. These lyrics below are also thanks to many people on the internet. 

The english means as usual are mine, using my poetic license and ability to choose the most appropriate words to bring the best of the emotion and love associated with the poem.

The youtube video below of Suchi is the best i found. There were other renditions that attempted to fuse new music, or rendered in traditional carnatic style. The purists dont like her rendition, as is noted by a few on the comments. But there are always these egocentric uncles and aunties, who wont allow any freedom. Well, Suchi has done an excellent job, keeping it simple, and allowing the words to express its emotions and warmth, without overpowering music or using those puristic banal tones. More importantly her pronunciation of Thamizh words are also perfect. It still playing in loop. She unfortunately skipped a couple of verses (3rd and 5th), i guess to keep it short and grasp attention of today's music aficionados. Beautiful, i only wish there was a longer and complete version for people like me.

 

Tamil Lyrics	English Transliteration	English Translation
ஆசை முகம் மறந்து போச்சே -இதை யாரிடம் சொல்வேனடி தோழி? நேசம் மறக்கவில்லை நெஞ்சம் - எனில் நினைவு முகம் மறக்கலாமோ?	aasai mugam maRandhu pochae - idhai yaaridam solvaenadi thozhi? naesam maRakkavillai nenjam - enil ninaivu mugam maRakkalaamo?	Lovely face i seem to have forgotten Who will i tell this aching to, my friend? The desire my heart couldn’t forget But then to forget the  beautiful face?
கண்ணில் தெரியுதொரு தோற்றம் - அதில் கண்ணன் அழகு முழுதில்லை; நண்ணு முகவடிவு காணில்-அந்த நல்ல மலர்ச்சிரிப்பைக் காணோம்.	kaNNil theriyudhoru thotRam - adhil kaNNan azhagu muzhudhillai; naNNu mugavadivu kaaNil - andha nalla malarchiripai kaaNom.	My eyes visualizes a form Where Kannan's allure is not complete Contours of a face, i see That blossoming smile is missing.
ஓய்வு மொழிதலும் இல்லாமல் - அவன் உறவை நினைத்திருக்கும் உள்ளம் வாயும் உரைப்பதுண்டு கண்டாய் - அந்த மாயன் புகழினை எப்போதும்.	oayvu mozhidhalum illaamal - avan uRavai ninaithirukkum uLLam vaayum uraippadhuNdu kaNdaay - andha maayan pugazhinai eppodhum.	Without a break I keep thinking about him My mouth chanting constantly this charmer’s glory.
கண்கள் புரிந்துவிட்ட பாவம் - உயிர்க் கண்ணன் உருமறக்கலாச்சு; பெண்கள் இனத்தில் இது போல - ஒரு பேதையை முன்பு கண்டதுண்டோ?	kaNkaL purindhuvitta paavam - uyir kaNNan urumaRakkalaachu; peNkaL inathil idhu pola - oru paedhaiyai munpu kaNdadhuNdo?	My eyes realize its sins, Image of Kannan that it forgets Among all women everywhere A bewitched one like me, nobody will see
தேனை மறந்திருக்கும் வண்டும் - ஒளிச் சிறப்பை மறந்துவிட்ட பூவும் வானை மறந்திருக்கும் பயிரும் - இந்த வைய முழுதுமில்லை தோழி	thaenai maRandhirukkum vaNdum - oLi siRappai maRandhuvitta poovum vaanai maRandhirukkum payirum - indha vaiya muzhudhumillai thozhi	Bee that ignores honey Flower that neglects light Seedlings that disregards sky No where in the world you will see, my friend
கண்ணன் முகம் மறந்து போனால் - இந்தக் கண்கள் இருந்து பயனுண்டோ? வண்ணப் படமும் இல்லை கண்டாய் - இனி வாழும் வழி என்னடி தோழி?	kaNNan mugam maRandhu ponaal - indha kaNkaL irundhu payanuNdo? vaNNa padamum illai kaNdaay - ini vaazhum vazhi ennadi thozhi?	If I should forget Kannan's face These eyes have no value No framed picture to see What will i do with this life, my friend

 

Aaradhike - Song from Ambili - Lyrics and Meanings

A beautiful and touching movie, but this song i think is its biggest highlight. The lines and the tune too, will surely move you. The movie has been out and about for sometime, but i took me sometime to craft this.

 The songs lyrics are as recorded from youtube and tweaked for pronunciation. The english meaning is mine, with poetic license as required, to share the essence of the poem, rather than merely translating the words into their english equivalence.

 

Malayalam Transliterated Lyrics

English Poetic Meaning

Aaraadhike Manjuthirum Vazhiyarike NaaLeReyayi Kaathuninnu MizhiniRaye Neeyengu Pokilum Akaleyku Maayilum EnnashakaL Thann Manthoniyumaayi Thuzhanjarike Njan Varaam Ente Nenjaake Neeyalle Ente Unmaadam Neeyalle Ninne ARiyaan ULu Nirayaan Ozhukiyozhuki Njan Innumennumoru Puzhayayi Aaraadhike Pidayunnorente Jeevanil Kinaavu Thanntha Kanmani Neeyillayenkil ennile Prakaashamillini Mizhineeru Peytha Maariyil Kedaathe Kaatha Punjiri Neeyennoraa Pratheekshayil Erinja Ponthiri Manam Pakuthu Nalkidaam Kurumbu Kondu Moodidaam Aduthu Vannidaam Kothichu Ninnidaam Viral Koruthidaam Swayam Marannidaam Ee Aashakal Thann Manthoniyumai Thuzhanjakale Poyidaam Ente Nenjaake Neeyalle Ente Unmaadam Neeyalle Ninne ARiyaan ULu Nirayaan Ozhukiyozhuki Njan Innumennumoru Puzhayayi Aaraadhike OrunaaL Kinaavu Poothidum Athil NammaLonnu CheRnidum Piraakkalpolithe Vazhi Nilaavil Paaridum Ninakku Thanalaayi Njan Ninakku Thunayaayi Njan Palakanavukal Pakaliravukal NiRramaniyumee Kadhayezhuthuvaan Ee Aashakal Thann Manthoniyumai Thuzhanjakale Poyidaam Ente Nenjaake Neeyalle Ente Unmaadam Neeyalle Ninne ARiyaan ULu Nirayaan Ozhukiyozhuki Njan Innumennumoru Puzhayayi Aaraadhike Manjuthirum Vazhiyarike

Oh my beloved Dew covers up the path These many days Waiting, my eyes tearing up Where ever you may go Even disappear in a distance My desires Filling up a boat Rowing toward you I will come My heart is filled with you My happiness, that is you To know you, You fill me up Overflowing Now and forever like a river Oh my beloved In my very disturbed life Love, you present hope If you weren’t, with me Light will desert me Even while raining tears My grace guarded, undying Just that one hope in you Keeps the flame burning Share our thoughts Envelop us with naughtiness Closer together Craving in anticipation Letting our fingers touch Daze ourselves Filled with these desires In a boat Lets row away to a distance My heart is filled with you My happiness, that is you To know you, You fill me up Overflowing Now and forever like a river Oh my beloved The dreams one day will come true We will be together then Like love birds, Soar in the moon’s light I’ll be a shelter for you I’ll be a partner for you In your many dreams In day and in night Adorned with many colors Writing memories together Filled with these hopes In a boat Lets row away to a distance My heart is filled with you My happiness, that is you To know you, You fill me up Overflowing Now and forever like a river Oh my beloved Dew covers up this path…….

 

The Living Years

I heard this song one day, just by accident, playing on my radio while driving home back from work. The lines in bold struck me, as it mirrored many things to me. 

I wasnt there the day when my father died. I never spoke to him, like i wished i did. Much much later, i would regret those living years. Every time i hear this and tried to sing along, these words almost always choked my throat. Tears would try to emerge, and like a stupid adult male, i would try my best to resist.

 

Every generation
Blames the one before
And all of their frustrations
Come beating on your door

 

I know that I'm a prisoner
To all my Father held so dear
I know that I'm a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

 

Oh, crumpled bits of paper
Filled with imperfect thought
Stilted conversations
I'm afraid that's all we've got

 

You say you just don't see it
He says it's perfect sense
You just can't get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talking in defence

 

Say it loud (say it loud), say it clear (oh say it clear)
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late (it's too late) when we die (oh when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye

 

So we open up a quarrel
Between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future
It's the bitterness that lasts

 

So don't yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different day
And if you don't give up, and don't give in
You may just be okay

 

So say it loud, say it clear (oh say it clear)
You can listen as well as you hear
Because it's too late, it's too late (it's too late) when we die (oh when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye

 

I wasn't there that morning
When my Father passed away
I didn't get to tell him
All the things I had to say

 

I think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I'm sure I heard his echo
In my baby's new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

 

Say it loud, say it clear (oh say it clear)
You can listen as well as you hear
It's too late (it's too late) when we die (it's too late when we die)
To admit we don't see eye to eye

So say it, say it, say it loud (say it loud)
Say it clear (come on say it clear)

- The Living Years by Mike + The Mechanics -

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge - Varun Grover

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Varun Grover

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Tana Shah Aake Jayenge

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Tana Shah Aake Jayenge

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Tum Aazun Gas Ujaloge

Tum Zeher Ki Chai Ubaloge

Hum Pyar Ki Shakkar Gol Ke Usko

Gut Gut Gut Pee Jayenge

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Ye Desh Hi Apna Haazil Hain

Jahan Ram Prasad Bhi Bismil Hain

Mitti Ko Kaise Batoge

Sabka Hi Khoon To Shaamil Hain

Tum Pulis Se Latt Padadhoge

Tum Metro Bandh Karodhoge

Hum Paidal Paidal Aayenge

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Hum Manji Yehi Bichayenge

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Hum Samvidaan Ko Bachayenge

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Hum Jan Gan Mann Bhi Gayenge

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Tum Jaath Paath Se Baatonge

Hum Baath Mangthe Jaayenge

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Hum Kagaz Nahin Dikhayenge

Naan Yaar?

Who am i? What am i? Why am i different from you? What makes me so abhoring that you cannot touch me? Why do you hate me so much that you stay away from me? We look up to the same gods, but you keep me away from them. We live together, but you build a wall to seperate me.

Why did i choose to color myself blue? Why in this sea of blue, do i find some solace? Why? Oh why? I only ask for the same dignity to life, that you grant to yourself. Grant that unto me. Jai Bhim!

Lyrics to the Song:
Adaipadum Kadhavukkul Udaipadum Uyir

Vidigindra Pozhuthilum Posungidum Uyir

Paranthidum Paravaiyum Thurathidum Uyir

Poothidum Nilathilum Nasangidum Uyir

Peigindra Mazhaiyilum Erinthidum Uyir

Sirikkindra Manitharum Veruthidum Uyir

Paarkindra Kadavulum Maranthidum Uyir

Varukindra Saavaiyum Poruthidum Uyir

Naan Yaar?

Naan Yaar?  Nee Oli…

Naan Yaar? Nee Mazhai…

Naan Yaar?

Rayil Thedi Vandhu Kollum, Naan Yaar?

Pookkum Maramengum Thookkil Thongum, Naan Yaar?

Nadhiyil Sethu Meenaai Mithakkum, Naan Yaar?

Kudisaikkul Kathari Yerindha, Naan Yaar?

Ther Eradha Saamyingu, Naan Yaar?

Unkai Padaamal Thanneer Parugum, Naan Yaar?

Oor Suvarkatti Dhooram Vaikka, Naan Yaar?

Malakkuzhikkul Moochaiyadakkum, Naan Yaar?

Arasan Yendru Solvorumundu

Adimai Yendru Ninaipporumundu

Yer Piditha Vazhvum Undu

Por Seitha Kadhaiyum Undu

Marithapin Udal Engum Neelam Paravum, Naan Yaar?

Pudhaithapin Neela Kadalil Neendhum, Naan Yaar?

Meaning (Not literal, but poetic as per the lyricst)

A life breaking down within closed doors

A life ashed down As the sun comes out

A life hunted down By birds that chase

A life trampled upon Even on fertile land

A life burning down Even when it rains

A life pressed down By the happy people

A life taken down By the God himself

A life that handles its death

Who am I? You are light!

What might I be? You are rain!

What am I then?

Oh, WHAT? WHAT?

Who am I that trains chase to mow down?

Who am I that hangs dead from blossoming trees?

Who am I that floats up dead in rivers?

Who am I that died burning inside my hut?

The God your chariots refuse, Who am I?

I drink water without touching you, Who am I?

A village keeps me away with a wall, Who am I?

I breathe my last in a shithole, Who am I?

Some say I ruled.

Some think I am a slave

Our hands that ploughed.

Are the same that warred!

In death I turn blue Who am I?

Bury me. I float in blue sea Who am I?

In death I turn blue Who am I?

 Bury me and I float in blue sea Who am I?

'Aarorum Varaanilayennalum' from Koode

Koode is a Malayalam movie i saw recently. An Anjali Menon's creation. Once again showing us the kind of magic she can create on the screen. A beautiful love story. A story about a brother and sister, a son and father, son and mother, and also a story about two friends who find each other.

All songs have been tuned beautifully. However this one caught me unawares, rendition tugged at my heart, and drew me to the words, a beautiful poem. I copied the lyrics off from the video on youtube, made a few corrections. Now i know the meanings, or rather the essence of the song. However, i don't think i would do justice if i were to translate this here. I am looking for one, to possibly correct my understanding too.

Enjoy.

Malayalam - Transilerated Lyrics	English Meaning (some poetic license)
Aarorum Varaanilayennalum  Ravoram Nilaavilayaennalum  Aarorum Varaanilayennalum  Ravoram Nilaavilayaennalum	No one to come and visit This night, no moonlight either
Orithall nee Neerthininnu  Aareyo nee Kaathuvo  Ormakall than Manjil Mungum  Perariya Poovupol  Arikilaay  Pularvella Vannuvo  Kavilliley  Mizhineeru Kanduvo  Thazhukidaatheyaai Vazhiyiloodave  Akeleyaay  Dhoore  Poyo  Akeleyaay  Dhoore  Poyo	A petal, you extend, as if you expect someone Buried in a mist of memories, like a mysterious flower Close to you, did the day break? On your cheeks, did it see the tears? Without even a caress on its way, Keeping a distance, some elsewhere did it go
Nin Ninavilo  Nin Kanavilo  Madhushalabamo  Vanneelalo  Mizhipoottaathe  Nee Ororo Raavilum  Aarorum Kaanathe  Irullaazhangall Neendhiyo  Neellum Nizhall Veenizhayum  Kadhanam Peyyum Thaazhvara  Mezhukin Naallam pole Maayum  Mohangallil Mangi Mangi  Ithallukall Adarunnu Pinneyum  Alasamaay Alayunnu Thennalum  Thirike Vannidaan  Nimishamangane  Kozhiyave  Kaanathe  Poyo  Kozhiyave  Kaanathe  Poyo	In your thoughts, or In your dreams A butterfly, that did not come Eyes wide open, you stay up every night Hiding from everyone, swimming the depth of darkness Lenthening shadows that crawl, this pain flooded valley Like a dim candle light, fading wishes grow faint and pale The petals, they sever (break) again, and this aimlessly wandering breeze Aching to return these moments slip away without seeing you it goes

I got a malayalam version of this transileration, and had to make a few corrections. However i have a feeling there still more to be done. I am trying to get some help to correct this. Its going to take sometime. Once this is done, i am hoping the english translation providing a meaning to this whole song, will not be far behind. Hope, is all i got now.

ആരോരും വരാനില്ല എന്നാലും 
രാവോരം നിലാവില്ല എന്നാലും 
ആരോരും വരാനില്ല എന്നാലും 
രാവോരം നിലാവില്ല എന്നാലും
ഒരിതൾ നീ നീർത്തി നിന്നു 
ആരെയോ നീ കാത്തുവോ 
ഓർമ്മകൾ തൻ മഞ്ഞിൽ മുങ്ങും 
പേരറിയാ പൂവു പോൽ 
അരികിലായ് 
പുലർവേള വന്നുവോ 
കവിളിലെ 
മിഴിനീരു കണ്ടുവോ 
തഴുകിടാതെയായ് വഴിയിലൂടവേ 
അകലെയായ് 
ദൂരെ 
പോയോ 
അകലെയായ് 
ദൂരെ 
പോയോ 

നിൻ നിനവിലോ 
നിൻ കനവിലോ 
മധുശലഭമായ് 
വന്നീലല്ലോ 
മിഴി പൂട്ടാതെ 
നീ ഓരോരോ രാവിലും 
ആരോരും കാണാതെ 
ഇരുളാഴങ്ങൾ നീന്തിയോ 
നീളും നിഴൽ വീണിഴയും 
കദനം പെയ്യും താഴ്വര 
മെഴുകിൻ നാളം പോലെ മായും
 മോഹങ്ങളിൽ മങ്ങി മങ്ങി 
ഇതളുകൾ അടരുന്നു പിന്നെയും 
അലസമായ് അലയുന്നു തെന്നലും 
തിരികെ വന്നിടാനിമിഷമങ്ങനെ 
കൊഴിയവെ 
കാണാതെ പോയോ 
കൊഴിയവെ 
കാണാതെ പോയോ

Jimikki Kammal

While the song was released a few months back, i heard it first only a few weeks ago. And then the movie came out recently, in time for Onam. As soon as i had heard it the first time, the catchy tune stuck in my head.
But now this has become an internet sensation, kind of like the Kolaveri song. It all started, i think, with a group of girls putting out their dance version in youtube around the time the movie came out. And since then, there has been many a copycat version, original out-do version, yet another unique attempt version etc.

Well, its all over. And with it, the song is refusing to get off my head. I tried my bit to get others go crazy over this, 'cause why keep the hurt to yourself. Joy or madness or pain, it gets better if you share it with friends. So if you havent seen it yet. Then here it is again!

Bhagwan Hai Kahan Re Tu

Bhagwan Hai Kahan Re Tu ! Hey God ! Where are you ?
If anyone has any doubts on the sincerity of this movie, and its position about one religion or the other should listen to this song.

Hai suna ye poori dharti tu chalata hai
Meri bhi sun le araj mujhe ghar bulata hai
Bhagwan hai kahan re tu
Hey Khuda hai kahan re tu

Such a soul stirring songs, that it should remove any hatred that you might otherwise have developed (if at all) while watching the movie. Clearly people who hate this movie, havent watched it. Fake God Men are not the same a God. For that matter, even 'real' God Men are not the same as God. They are, at best, described as agents. They may do good things, they may serve the society and help rid us of evil, but that does not make them Gods to be worshiped.

But that is exactly what we human beings end up doing. We look at these messiahs and then convert them into Gods. We then look around and hurt those who dont believe in these messiahs. People who do not accept one particular messiah are considered non-believers of God! Think of the foolishness we perpetuate.

Before coming to America, i used to think that this evil division of humanity, was a facet of Indian culture. Now i understand that is an universal truth. Education has no relevance, in fact sometimes they are easier fooled than the poor ignorant masses. And we all end up fighting each other. Christianity vs Islam vs Hinduism vs Jewism vs Buddhism vs Scientology vs Atheism. Unfortunately the people who get hurt are Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Buddhists, Scientologists, Atheists etc. More so the commom folks, who are simply happy worshiping anyone who would deliver to them of their daily bread.

AR Rahman - Jagao Mera Desh

ARR has done it again. His magic never ceases to run out. How do you make Rabindranath Tagore fashionable and appealing to today's youth? How do you mix rap in a patriotic song (something foreign in the India context, atleast till recently)?

Mixing lyrics and singing in different languages in the same song, is not entirely new, but is something ARR himself has employed many times in the past. And this one again shows how that can appeal to youth in India today.



Prasoon Joshi's lyrics, his translation of Tagore's song, beautifully complement the song. Or maybe it is the otherway around. The finish is particularly fabulous. 

This is one my favourite poems, "Heaven of Freedom". It was also one of the earliest or the first blog i wrote. Since i moved my blogs around a bit, i think i lost some of the dates. But i could be wrong too.

AR Rahman - Kadal - Adiye

Aiyo Aiyo Aiyo! These chaps have planned for this murder (thats literal translation for - thittam ittu kolai saiya vanthutanga da). I mean the whole team that ARR has worked with here. I guess in this case, i must ask "enna enge nee kooti poren"? ARR's answer is "listen, follow and you will know".

Sid Sriram, who is this guy? Where did he come from suddenly? Kudos to him. Listen to the lines "unni nambi vaarene" and then difference in "un pinne suthurene". Awesome. That phrase in the song alone, was enough to swoon you. ARR lets Sid out of the box, and the fellow is singing like on an "unplugged" show. Free flow, thats where the magic begins here.

Oh and i am listening to the song, and i just noticed one thing. Every "Adiye" has a loud beat, like a clap, slap, a bang on the drum or in the early stages a forceful finger on the piano. I am sure it wasn't planned, but just a happenstance from the rendering of the song. Sometimes it takes a while for an ARR song to hit you. Adiye did to me, what Aromale did earlier. This song falls in the same genre, i think. The loud music, you would think would drown the song. ARR is sometimes accused of this. But this is a perfect example of the opposite. The loud seeming cacophony, plays in perfect harmony to the singer. Oh, ya, watch out for the volume setting, specially if you are listening with headphones. Be prepared for the "Adi" you get through out the song.

As said before the background singers. ARR, uses a bunch of 'oohs' in the background often during the song. It seems like one of the American R&B being played out to tamizh lyrics. Who would have thought? He experiments, all the time. Even the piano and the drums in the background add to the ambience created in the song. Another perfect love song, rendered completely out of the blue. The background vocals sing louder than Sid, who appropriately tones his voice down, to give the right effect - a love lorn hero. Again simply oooh oooh oooh.

Karky again does a good job, providing the right words, around which this melody is woven. I liked these lines that go "Meena thooki rekka varanja, Vaanam mele nee veesi erinja, Paraka pazhakuriye, Engirunthu vanthayo nee". It all comes together beautifully. Another fantastic masterpiece by ARR.

Lyrics: Karky Vairamuthu
Artist: Sid Sriram

manasa thoranthaye nee
engirinthu vanthaai nee
adi ye.. adi ye..
enna enge nee kootti pora
adi ye.. adi ye..
enge nee kootti pora?
enna enge nee kootti pora

pallanguzhi paatha puriyala
unna nambi vaarene
intha kaatu paya oru aatukutti pola
un pinne suthurene

pallangkuzhi paatha puriyala
unna nambi vaarene
intha kaatupaya oru aattukutti pola
unpinna suththurane

adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora

meena thookki rekka varanja
vaanam mele nee veesi erinja
parakka pazhakkuriye
engirunthu vanthaayo nee..

adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora

kannaala kannadi senju
en achchaththa kaatturiye
en thoosi thurumbellaam thatti..
ullam vellayadikiriye..

adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora

oh.. bhoomi vittu sorgkaththukku
nee vaanavillil paatha virichcha
manasa kayiraakki izhuththu poraaye nee..
sorgam vittu bhoomi vanthaa
meendum kizhakil sooriyan vanthaa
naan vizhichchu paakkaiyilla
kalanju povaaayo nee

adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora
adiye.. adiye..
enna enga nee kootti pora

AR Rahman - Kadal - Chithirai Nela

This is another soulful melody in this album. I know this word is being repeated for each song in the album, but i can't but say it - amazing. Once again, the song starts with very little music, virtually only a  slow notes from an organ playing in the background. The notes from the organ tho' slow and steady, but is not frail and equals the voice of the singer.

Vijay Yesudas, is blessed. Blessed with a voice very similar or sometimes exactly like his father. I do know there are a lot of people who don't like Yesudas's voice, but they are also the kind of people who think AR Rahman's songs are repetitive. Instead they find solace in a gana patty or a song from a Anu Malik factory. I love the way Vijay modulates his voice, starting slow, and then slowly increases the tempo as the song moves along. The way he sings "Manithan ninaithal, Vazhi pirakam", is different from "Kangallil irunthe Kaatchigal Thonrum" and increases the pitch to a crescendo when he delivers "Naallai thiranthal Nambikai sirikum". The same goes for how he performs with the line "Chithirai Nila", the first one as if he is crying to a dependent soul, and towards the end with a lot joy and pride, a new awakening.

How does ARR do this ? I have heard stories he let the singers have their freedom to deliver his tunes and he then mixes the interludes, and adds accompaniments to the song. If that is the case, i wonder if he gets the singer to do a retake when he feels some part of the song must now change. No wonder he works best when he is afforded the time. This song like many, is not easy to conceive the way it is. The minute but pronounced fluctuations in the voice and tune at different points, must have required a lot of thought or was an iterative process of delivery. Which is it? I wonder, but in awe of this genius. ARR lets the introductions go on for almost two minutes. Vijay plays around "Chithirai Nila", till about 1:48 into the song. Slow, and what would at first hear thing - boring - turns into another magic.

Only ARR can employ a chorus in a song very effectively. I have seen it many times, this background singers, who finally become masters in their own space, produce the right mix required. I recall, i forget the song now, but you can hear the distinct voice of Srinivas, even tho' at that time he was not a recognized singer. ARR does this often, and unless you pay attention, it will be difficult to even recognize the singers in the background sometimes.

You just love it when all things come together, i am now referring to the lyrics. I am sucker for these kinds of songs. Not that i am depressed and need these kind of words to help. But i love it, the endurance of human spirit, conquering despair or taking control of your own fate, rather than blaming it on someone else. There is good in everything, and everything happens for good - "Kalangalil irunthe Desangal thonrum , Tholviyil irunthe Gnyanangal thonrum". War is not bad after all. It is ok to make mistakes, learn from them. The second is one of my management mantra. How do you describe the moon as alone ? Never heard of that before. Usually people think the night sky is filled with stars. But our lyricist thought he must highlight that moon shines alone and equate it to a human condition, when we suddenly feel lonely, even tho' we are capable of burning bright.

AR Rahman - Kadal - Moongil Thottam

How can you go wrong with "Vera enna vennam, Nee pothume"? And ARR doesnt. Solo guitar, thats how he kicks of this soulful melody.

As is usual with Rahman's albums, i start with an instant favourite and slowly make my way to the other songs in the album. I picked this over "Chitirai Nila", only because if i needed more time to write about that one over this. But after listening to other four, over and over again - of course, this song did play every once in a while in some sequence or random order - i gave into "Moongil Thottam". Talk about something growing or rather creeping up on you !!

When i searched for the singers, i was surprised to see Harini's name. She is probably the only old singer (along with Vijay) that ARR has used in this album. She was an instant favourite of mine from "Nila Kaygirathu" (Indira). But Abhay Jodhpurkar was the revelation. I searched the net, and to no avail. Only his facebook page and a few other references to blogs and sites listing him as a singer to this song. Is this his first ? Amazing. Simply Amazing. It appears he is from Chennai, and so his Tamizh pronunciation is perfect as it can be - considering chennai tamizh itself is a bastardized version of the Semmozhi ;).

Vairamuthu as usual has excelled himself - "niranja mounam", "munthaanai eduthu,
nee mella thudaikka, naa unna anaikka" and "ushnam yaashikkum, udalum irukka, otha porvaiyila, iruvarum irukka". What more do you need, for someone to fall in love again?

But the best of all, is how ARR decided that this song does not require a lot of music, and let the voice float through. Most of the song is accompanied by the sounds strum from a lone guitar. He does fill the interludes with light melodious bits from an assortment of instruments. You can clearly hear each one, as they come to the foreground and fade to another. Listen to the few seconds before Abhay starts "Marangal Nadungum", you will understand what i feel here.

And finally the final notes as he chooses to close out the song. He has the Abhay and Harini, singing not together, but with a lag. He had done this same technique before (atleast thats where i first noticed it) in "Theendai" (En Swasa Katre). Simple twists, that make a fabulous song.

Lyrics: Vairamuthu
Artists: Abhay Jodhpurkar, Harini

moongil thottam, mooligai vaasam
niranja mounam, nee paadum geetham
pournami iravu, pani vizhum kaadu
othaiyadi paadhaiyil, unkuda podinada

ithu pothum enaku..ithu pothume
verenna venum nee pothume
ithu pothum enaku..ithu pothume
verenna venum nee pothume

kulanthaang karaiyile, kulikkum paravaiga
siragu valathume, thuliga therikume
mun kovam eduthu, munthaanai eduthu
nee mella thudaikka, naa unna anaikka

ithu pothum enaku......

marangal nadungum, maargazhi erikka
ratham uraiyum, kulirum irukka
ushnam yaasikkum, udalum irukka
otha porvaiyila, iruvarum irukka

ithu pothum enaku......

AR Rahman - Kadal - Anbin Vaasale

Movie songs in India, can be classified in to many different categories, love, sad, angry, happy, patriotic, devotional, etc. These are usually based on the story line, but are also influenced by other factors. But usually the songs tuned for each category, follow some basic patterns. Very few composers are able to transcend these confines and produce something different.

ARR has a special magic, where his composition refuses to stay within these accepted norms, and proceeds to write another unwritten rule in movie music composition. He has done this repeatedly and attempts to rewrite his own rules all the time. Maa Tujhe Salaam (Vande Matharam), is a case in point.

'Anbin Vaasale' is a prayer song, a grace to Jesus. The words literally translate, 'Door to Love' and the singer Haricharan renders this fantastic composition with fervour. The song starts with an appeal, with little or no accompanying music, just a passionate voice calling out to Jesus. Only to be disturbed by a band playing a loud drum, and a set of chorus singers. A lone church bell, sets the rhythm. What would be otherwise a turnoff, instead gives you goosebumps as all of them join this prayer. ARR shows again that he will make his own tunes.

Karky, Vairamuthu's son has done a great job providing the appropriate words to this prayer song. A song, usually, is not fully complete without the words that add justice. This prayer and ARR's composition, takes full advantage of the lyrics. The tune, modulations, and the cadence are amazing, and it shows. How beautifully the lines "kanneerai thekkum en ullathaakil, un perai sonnaal pooputhidatho" are handled. 'Causing you, the listener to join this appeal. Another high point in the song thanks to lyrics and the rendition is when Haricharan sings "Poovin mele, vannam neethane, Verin keezhe jeevan neethaane".

And then again when he closes out with the simple "Anbin Vaasale", it appears he is asking for the door to open up, wide and take him in. And you feel this in your heart. Religion to me has never been about one god, or rather it always has been about one god, no matter his name. This song does to me, what "Faya Kun" (Rockstar), "Ek thu hi bharosa"(Pukar),  "Maula Maula" (Dilli 6), "Ek Omkaar" (Rang De Basanti), or "O Paalanhare" (Lagaan) did. While some of these brought tears, and others joy, it always touched your heart. Like only ARR can do.

AR Rahman - Kadal - Elay Keechan

A few days back, i got an email alert from my friend at work, another ARR fan, who said that another single from Kadal is out. Soon i was on youtube, and falling for this new single - Elay Keechan.
Just imagine a fisher-folk song that is tuned to sound country. Not many sounds here, other than stringing guitar or banjo (something tighter than the guitar, but not as high as a banjo). And a chorus to hum in the background. Some clapping. And lo and behold you have a song to showcase the lives of fisherfolk in the movie.

Only in true ARR style, he takes a set of pure tamizh lyrics, and tunes into something out of the ordinary. The lyrics are by Karky, Vairamuthu's son, some fantastic lines there. My favourite is "Vaa Le, Konda Le, Kattumaram konda Le, Gundu meena alli vara konda le". Another line goes "Unakaaga valaiyonu valaiyonu virichirukkaen, na thavam irukken, nee vizhuvenu, velakkena uthikkitu muzhichu irukken na ara kirukaen". I guess it is country music after all, and so germane.

But the highlight i think is his rendition of the song. ARR has time and again shown he is quite a singer and i think that comes from his passion for music. He has picked an apt song to lend his voice to, and taken the entire composition to a different level. He adds just the amount of twists and turns in the tune and to his singing, so keeps the song's tone at a tempered plane. So its not just a routine ho-hum (up/down), but an interesting mix. So you tap your feet constantly, at varying pace, yet dont have to break a leg.