A Doctor’s Verse

This week picked a song that embodies the characteristics that mark the ideal way of life – simple, enjoyable and effortless but with immense purpose and grace. 

This week picked a வாலி song that seems ordinary at first look. But if one dwelled deeper it leaves you astounded. 

Unlike several songs of வாலி, that were commonly mistaken to be Kannadasan’s – the song I picked this week represents quint essential Vaali. It is often cited as being one amongst his noteworthy ones

One can imagine the plight of new lyricists when Kannadasan was in his peak churning out songs  – each of which had his class imprinted all over them. The rumour is that several lyricists knowing they would never get a break with Kavignar around gave up and disappeared into oblivion.

Vaali as a lyricist preferred using commonly spoken words in his songs. With simple words he was able to express emotions impeccably. This week I picked a song that seems plain, yet is poetic and incredibly romantic. 

In the song I picked this week, Vaali has composed exquisite lyrics that express the sadness from despair and the solace that hope brings in alternating lines of this song reflecting the state of the mind of the character. The song is from the movie “படகோட்டி”. 

After pausing the series on Kannadasan songs with a “lullaby” – wanted to start the next series with two lullabies that are dear to my heart.
Decided to write about both together for several reasons. Both exemplify that simplicity is charming, both express deep love, both are common household songs and both showcase the graceful beauty of K.R. Vijaya and the mellifluous singing of P. Suseela. Importantly both are commonly mistaken as Kannadasan songs but were written by another outstanding poet Vaali.

Kannadasan was getting unwell and was about to leave to US for his medical treatment. The day before leaving, he called Ilaiyaraja and wrote three Songs for him back to back within minutes to honour his commitment. Then turned, smiled at him – said “ You are a Lucky guy. I won’t be writing songs for movies anymore!!” and left. He never came back from US and his words came true.

We have seen the prowess of Kannadasan’s tamil, his ability to simplify சங்க இலக்கியம் for the common listener, his precision in use of words and his perfection in expressing the feelings of the character he depicts.