Ponaal Pogattum Poda...

In my immediate memory, apart from "Kaattadicchu, Kodunkaattadicchu" in Malayalam, no other song has such a melancholic mix of pathos, fear, anxiety and fatalism as Kannadhasan's Ponal Pogattum Poda from the Sivaji-Prem Nazir-Savitri starrer "Paalum Pazhavum.

Together with the picturisation (fantabulous for that day and age) and innovative use of natural wild sounds along with heart-stopping instrumentals, this song simply epitomises cynicism along with anxiety over death...

The second para is, I feel, the best, describing the futility of man trying to keep death at bay...

Ponaal Pogattum Poda
Indha Bhoomiyil Nilaiyaay Vaazhndhavar Yaaradaa?

Vandhadhu Theriyum Povadhu Yengae Vaasal Namakkae Theriyaadhu
Vandhavarellaam Thangi Vittal Indha Mannil Namakkae Idamaedhu
Vaazhkkai Enbadhu Vyaapaaram
Adhil Jananam Enbadhu Varavaagum
Varum Maranam Enbadhu Selavaagum
Ponaal Pogattum Poda...

Iraval Thandhavan Kaetkinraan, Adhai Illaiyenraal Avan Viduvaanaa?
(When the person who gave you alms, wants you to return it, can you refuse?)
Uravai Cholli Azhuvadhanaalae Uyirai Meendum Tharuvaanaa?
(Do you think he -- the almighty -- will return your life considering your siblings' sentiments?) Kookkuralaalae Kidaikkaadhu
(There is no point howling, you won't get it back)
Idhu Courtukku Poanaal Jeyikkaadhu
(you can't fight a case in the coutr)
Andha Kottayil Nuzhaindhaal Thirumbaadhu
(No point trying to hide inside a fort)
Ponaal Pogattum Podaa...
(Just let go...)

Elumbukkum Sadhaikkum Maruththuvam Kandaen Idharkoru Marundhaik Kandaenaa?Irundhaal Avalai Thannandhaniyae Eriyum Neruppil Viduvaenaa?
Namakkum Mele Oruvanadaa,
Avan Naalum Therindha Thalaivanadaa,
Dhinam Naadagam Aadum Kalainjanadaa
Ponaal Pogattum Podaa...

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=A8PucLdCgkg

Aa Ab Laut Chalein

There are songs that evoke patriotism. There are ones that tickle nostalgia. There also are others that simply make you long for that warm corner of your home.

But this Mukesh-Lata number has an effect that one can only describe as "overwhelming".

Everytime I listen to this heartfelt cry, I get goosebumps. I shudder to think what it does to people living outside the country, surviving only on the dream of returning some day to that corner of their home...

The picturisation of this song is more or less based on the epic journey of Moses and the Jewish slaves of Egypt, "returning" to their promised land. Raj Kapoor (Raju), does just that, promising a "new life" to a delinquent community of dacoits.

While Mukesh croons the inspiring lyrics of Shailendra, Lata haunts with her heavenly pitch.

Aa Ab Laut Chalein, Aa Ab Laut Chalein
(Come, let us return)

Nain Bichaaye, Bahein Pasaare, Tujhko Pukaare Des Tera
(Its eyes longing, and arms spread out for you, your country beckons you)

1. Sehej Hai Seedhi Raah Pe Chalna, Dekh Ke Uljhan Bach Ke Nikalna
(Its easy to just walk straight and even walk away from problems)

Koi Yeh chaahe Maane Na Maane, Bohut Hai Muskhil Gir Ke Sambhalna
(Whether one agrees or not, it is difficult to get up and walk ahead after falling)

2. Aankh Hamaari Manzil Par Hai, Dil Mein Khushi Ki Mast Leher Hai
(Our eyes long for our destination, waves of joy lash in our hearts)

Laakh Lubhayen Mehel Paraaye, Apna Ghar Phir Apna Ghar Hai

(Alien lands may look 1000 times more attractive. But our home is, after all, our home)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es6HzkXrD-s&feature=related

Suprabhaatam, Suprabhaatam

Besides a good cup of tea, there are three other things that instantly refresh me after waking up in the morning.

Of course all three are musical.

1. Subbalakshmi's "Kaushalya Supraja Ramapoorva..."

2. Lata's "Jyoti Kalash Chalke"; and

3. Jayachandran-Devarajan's "Neelagiriyude Sakhikale"

I bring into focus the third here.

Besides the obvious rejuvenating lyrics that beautifully describe nature's bounty and its harmony, the orchestration is such that it merges with the theme with ease. Particularly notable is the use of one particular taalam on the Mridangam in the first anupallavi -- when the words "Paninjittum Paninjittum Panitheeraathoru..." are sung, to highlight the imagery of an artisan working on some metalic creation of his.

The song describes nature as a tharavaadu and its surroundings.

From the movie "Panitheeratha Veedu", this lovely song was picturised on Prem Nazir:

Suprabhaatam, Suprabhaatam

Neelagiriyude Sakhikale, Jwalamukhikale

Jyotirmayiyaam Ushassinu, Vellichamram Veeshum Meghangale

Suprabhaatam, Suprabhaatam, Suprabhaatam

1. Anjana Kallukal Minukki Adukki Akhilanda Mandala Shilpi

Paninjittum, Paninjittum, Panitheerathoru Prapanchamandirame

Ninte Naalukettinte Padippura Muttathu Njyanente Murikoodi Paniyicchotte

2. Ayiramthaamara Thalirukal Vidarthi, Arayannangale Valarthi

Vasanthavum Shishiravum Kulikkan Irangiya, Vansarovarame

Ninte Neelavaarmudichurulinte Attathu, Njyaanente Pookoodi Chhoodicchotte