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March 10_AS

“Naan Yen Pirandein” - Why was I born? - That is the song for the day. The song is part of "Rasaayana Rojakkal", a K.M Musiq production on women empowerment.
The lyrics were written by the poet, Vaali. The song is about a girl shunned by society because of her dark skin and abject poverty. About her agony on being lonely and persecuted and how she redeems herself from these obstacles and oppression.
I had not heard of this song, until Rahman posted it on his page on Internaltional Women's Day.
This song is also used as a background score in the video "Possibilities" by "Akshaya Patra". The film was released on Children's Day and shows how a child can be forced to make wrong choices in life, in order to survive.

http://www.top10cinema.com/…/the-possibilities-featuring-a-…

While this song is in the context of a girl child, the basic theme on "Why am I born?" applies to all of us.
Well, all of us at some point of time question our existence. Why am I born? What is the purpose of my life? I am reminded of a book I read few years back - "Many Lives and Many Masters" by Brian L. Weiss. It is a true story of a psychiatrist, his learnings from past life therapy he conducted on a young patient. He writes, each of us are here to learn something, a specific thing, it could be patience, trust, love. And then we are reborn to learn something else. Each lifetime gives us a lesson and then we move on to another.

While we are on our never ending quest to understand the purpose of our life, let us slow down, stop and enjoy this beautiful song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2rGhnGuCy0

Lyrics and Translation

Pachcha karu yaavum paavakkaru alla
Neeyum naanum yaaru kuththam kora solla
Poththal ulla moongilla saththamulla paattu varum

Kannangaru megam thaan
uyir vaazha payir vaazha mazhai kottuthey
Oru ooril oru gudisai
Nadhiyoram pachcha maram pala varisai
Kallamillaa Vellanthiyaa
Oorusanam Irunthathayya

Aalangaaththu Oasaiyiley
Moththa sanam thookkaththiley
Boomi Romba Thoorathiley
Yaar Arivaar Kaaranaththa?
Yen Piranthaai? Yen Piranthaai? Yen Piranthaayo??

Aariro....Aariro...Aaraariro...(Lullaby)

Naan yen piranthen?
Kan yen thiranthen?
Enakkey theriyaathey

O! Iraiyoan padaippil
Yethuvum azhage
Un kann ariyaathey!

Naan yen piranthen?
Kan yen thiranthen?
Enakkey theriyaathey...

Pachcha karu yaavum paavakkaru alla
Neeyum naanum yaaru kuththam kora solla
Poththal ulla moongilla saththamulla paattu varum
Kannangaru megam thaan
uyir vaazha payir vaazha mazhai kottuthey

Naan yen piranthen?
Kan yen thiranthen?
Enakkey theriyaathey...

Yaaro yaar arivaaro?
Yenna solvaaro sol...
Yaaro yaar arivaaro?
Yenna seiyvaaro sollu...sollu...sollu...

Naan yen piranthen?
Kan yen thiranthen?
Enakkey theriyaathey....

All those fetuses are not sinned
Who are you and I
to find a fault in?
A hole in the bamboo stick
Brings out a good song

Even the clouds turn dark and black
to bring the rain back
for survival of crops and
for survival of mankind!

A hut in a village
Green trees lined up by the river
And there lived people
that are Open and innocent...

In the sound of the banyan tree
Everyone in deep sleep
Earth is so far away
And who would know the reason?
Why are you born? Why are you born? Why are you born?

Why am I born?
Why did I open my eyes?
I do not know

In God’s creations
Anything is beautiful and
Your eyes won’t know that!

Why am I born?
Why did I open my eyes?
I do not know...

All those fetuses are not sinned
Who are you and I,
to find a fault in?
A hole in the bamboo stick
Brings out a good song

Even the clouds turn dark and black
But they bring the rain back
For survival of crops!
For survival of mankind!!

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February 25_AS

Today's song is not really a morning song. It is a soft lullaby that will rock you to sleep. But then this is a beautiful tamil song that I heard in the recent past and I wanted to share it with all of you.

Thooli or the cloth cradle that you hand from a hook in the ceiling - Do you have any memories associated with it? Well I do. I have heard lot of stories from my mom on how I used to love sleeping in the thooli. Though I do not remember any of it, I do remember rocking my sister to sleep. Usually the mom's sari is used so that it gives the baby the same warmth and feeling as sleeping on mommy's lap. Thooli does sound warm and nice, but I never used it with my kids. There were no hooks to hang the thooli and I had read enough about the risk SIDS when using thooli. I had also heard how difficult it is to wean a child away from the thooli once the child gets used to sleeping in it.

Both my mom and MIL never insisted that we use thooli for my kids. But everytime, we found it difficult to put the baby to bed and paced the room up and down, trying different tactics to put our colic baby to bed we would hear about the magic of thooli and how it could put any wailing baby to sleep.
"Oru thooli katti athula potta jammunu thoongum. Intha kalathula than etho pudusu pudusa sollara"
The concept of making the child sleep in a thooli is a thing of past. But one cannot deny the fact that these modern day cradles can never give the cosy warm feeling that a thooli gives.

This song is about a child that sleeps in a thooli hanging from a tree branch, listening to the rustling leaves. A gentle breeze rocks the cradle. This song is specially for all those who find it difficult to sleep. Just play this song and go to your dreamland. I wish this song was a bit longer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQmAZPfh7a0

Lyrics

Aariro Aararo Aariro Aararo (2)
Punnai marathu kombai valaithoru
Thottil thonguthu
Adhil poovinai pola meni padaitha
Kuzhandhai thoonguthu (2)
Aariro Aararo Aariro Aararo (2)

Salasalanu ilai asaindhu
Jaadai kattudhu (2)
adhil silu silu ena thendaral thavazhndhu
thottilai attudhu (2)

Punnai marathu kombai valaithoru
Thottil thonguthu
Adhil poovinai pola meni padaitha
Kuzhandhai thoonguthu
Aariro Aararo Aariro Aararo (2)

Enna ninaithu kalai udhaithu
Pappa sirikkuthu (2)
Adhan chinna chinna mani kannukkule
oru nadagam nadakkuthu (2)

Punnai marathu kombai valaithoru
Thottil thonguthu
Adhil poovinai pola meni padaitha
Kuzhandhai thoonguthu
Aariro Aararo Aariro Aararo (2)

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December 9_AS

Enjoy! :-)

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December 18_AS

In the movie Sindhu Bhairavi, Suhasini interrupts Sivakumar who is singing a carnatic song and says people would enjoy and appreciate the song better if they are able to understand the meaning of the song. Though music has no language, this MWC series has made me realize we tend to like a song even more once we know the meaning of the song.

Today I am presenting to you a song with simple lyrics "Chinnan chiru pen pole" composed by Ullundhurpettai Shanmugam and set to Ragam Sindhu Bhairavi. This comes in the category of devotional classical music. The simplicity of the lyrics makes it easier for even the common man to enjoy and appreciate.The song is about Goddess Durga and her beauty as a child.

Have any of you visited the temple that is talked about in this song?

The first is a link to the evergreen version of the song sung by none other than Dr. Seergazhi Govindarajan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEH4G1A8P8I

The next is a more recent one sung by Sikkul Gurucharan, accompanied by Anil Srinivasan on the piano.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeLQIBMEfVk

Lyrics and Translation follows

chinnanjiru peN pOlE chiTRADai iDai uDutti
sivagangai kuLattarugE srI durgai sirittiruppAL

peNNavaLin kaNNazhagai pEsi muDiyAdu
pErazhagukku IDaga vERonDRum kiDaiyAdu

minnalaippOl mEni annai sivagAmi
inbamellAm taruvAL eNNamellAm niRaivAL

pinnal jadai pOTTu pichchippU sooDiDuvAL
pittanukku iNAIyAga narttanam ADiduvAL

Translation

Dressed like a little girl
Goddess Durga is smiling on the banks of Sivaganga pond

One cannot describe the beauty of her eyes
There is nothing that equals that beauty

Mother Sivagami's body is like a lightning
She gives us all the happiness. She fulfills all our wishes.

She braids her hair and adorns it with wild flowers
Her dance is comparable to that of Lord Shiva himself.

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December 23_AS

As we bid adieu to 2014,let us look forward to 2015 with a positive outlook. The year 2014 would have given us some great moments, and some not so great ones. This morning, I bring to you one of Bob Marley's most beloved songs "Three Little Birds". This song is to reiterate that there is light at the end of the tunnel, today is going to be better than yesterday and the year 2015 will be brighter than 2104. This is a fantastic sing-along. So join in, forget your worries and start your morning with a big smile.Levi Levinika This one is specially for you. Here's to good health, lots of love, happiness and prosperity.

Bob Marley was a the superstar singer, song-writer, musician and lyricist who popularized reggae music.Now what is reggae music? It is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The guitar or the bass drum that is used gives a distinct African feel.

The link I have provided is not the original version by Bob Marley but it is a cover by a British singer Connie Talbot. What better way to start the day with butterflies, beaches and happy kids.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cmffLlkwxc

You can find the lyrics of the song here
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyr…/bobmarley/threelittlebirds.html

Also available is a children's book adapted from this song and written by Bob Marley's daughter Cedella Marley. Seems like a good read with beautiful illustrations and a wonderful message.

http://www.amazon.in/Every-Little-Thing-Based-…/…/1452106975

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January 31_AS

Dolly Parton is a living legend who dons many a hats - Singer, song writer, a shrewd business women, actress, author and philanthropist. Today I bring to you a bitter sweet love song composed by her - I will always love you. 
The song has been covered by many artists but the version by Dolly is a classic.It became No.1 song on the country music chart when it was first released as a single in 1972. After almost a decade, American singer Whitney Houston's version of the song in the film Bodyguard became one of the best selling single of all time. Parton again recorded the song in 1982 and it again topped the charts.

When I first heard the song, I imagined a break up situation, girl leaving a boy. Very typical. But Dolly did not write the song for a situation like that. In 1967 Dolly began working with Porter Wagoner on his television show. The two of them also recorded several albums together. After seven years of working together, Parton decided to part ways and launch out completely on her own. They fought a lot and Wagoner could not accept her going away. Parton wrote this song for Porter Wagoner. It was her way of saying good bye. When Dolly played that song to Porter he loved it and said she could go provided she let him produce that song. He did produce the song and song became a big hit.

It is a wonderful song with simple lyrics yet deep meaning. Whitney Houston's funeral ended to this song. Partners parting ways, a love break up or as a farewell song when a person leaves the world, this song is perfect for all situations. Can you relate to this song? What is your story? let us know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1422579428&x-yt-cl=85114404&v=_utP1mGoutQ

Lyrics: I will always love you

If I should stay
Well, I would only be in your way
And so I'll go, but yet I know
That I'll think of you each step of my way
And I will always love you
I will always love you
Bitter-sweet memories

That's all I have, and all I'm taking with me
Good-bye, oh, please don't cry
Cause we both know that I'm not
What you need

I will always love you
I will always love you

And I hope life, will treat you kind
And I hope that you have all
That you ever dreamed of
Oh, I do wish you joy
And I wish you happiness
But above all this
I wish you love
I love you, I will always love

I, I will always, always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you

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December 27_AS

Today's MWC features Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's performance at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony at Oslo earlier this month. The 2014 nobel peace prize was shared between Kailash Satyarthi from India and Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan.

Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is primarily know for his Qawwali music. He also performs Ghazals and other light music and is also a Bollywood playback singer
Some interesting facts about Qawwali music gathered from wiki:

* A Qawwali performance is done by a group of 8-9 musicians including the lead singer.
* A sarangi was used earlier and is now replaced by the harmonium since sarangi needed to be retuned in between a performance
* The other musicians in the group include one-two side singers, one or two harmoniums played by the lead singer, side singer or some one else, one or two percussionist.
* If there is only one percussionist, he plays the tabla and dholak, usually the tabla with the dominant hand and the dholak with the other one (i.e. a left-handed percussionist would play the tabla with his left hand). Often there will be two percussionists, in which case one might play the tabla and the other the dholak.
*There is also a chorus of four or five men who repeat key verses, and who aid percussion by hand-clapping.
*The performers sit cross-legged on the ground in two rows — the lead singer, side singers and harmonium players in the front row, and the chorus and percussionists in the back row.
* Women used to be excluded from traditional Muslim music, since they are traditionally prohibited from singing in the presence of men. These traditions have changed, however, as is evident by the popularity (and acceptance) of female singers such as Abida Parveen.
*Although Abida Parveen performs many songs that are in the traditional qawwali repertoire, she does not perform them in the traditional qawwali style. 

Typically missing is the chorus which repeats key verses, as well as the hand clapping.

The first is a link to the popular Qawwali "Alla hu" and the second is a link to the main concert.

Link to "Alla hu"
http://www.ndtv.com/…/rahat-fateh-ali-khan-performs-…/348039

Link to main concert
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO0ux0UqM9I

Wiki gives a detailed description of Qawwali music. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qawwali

After seeing his performance on youtube, I feel it is like watching a Shankar movie on small screen.

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January 23_AS

"Sometimes you never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory" - Dr. Seuss.


A faded picture from the photo album, going through a school autograph book, meeting an old friend, a college year book, a trophy won during school days, an old diary, an old scrap book, an alumni meet, a visit to your favorite vacation spot - All of these can take you to another day from the past. So can a song.

I chanced upon this video when I was looking out for a song for the MWC series and it brought back so many wonderful memories. It has been ages since I listened to any of these songs. I was reminded of all those lovely indipop they played on MTV. I had a cassette with all my favorite songs. The 90's was indeed the golden period as far as indipop is concerned.

It brought back memories of people and bands, I had long forgotten.

So Lucky Ali it is today. O Sanam from Sunoh (1996). This was the first ever video to be shot for a Lucky Ali song. The song O Sanam from Sunoh stayed for over 60 weeks consecutively on Music charts of MTV Asia.

Lyrics

Shaam Sawere teri yaadein aati hain
Aake dil ko mere yu tadpati hain

O Sanam Mohabbat ki kasam,

Milke bichad na to dastoor ho gaya
Yadoon mein teri main jo door hogaya

O Sanam teri yadoon ki kasam

Samjhe zamaana ke dil he khilona
Jaana hai ab kya hai dil ka lagana
Nazroon se ab na humko girana
Mar bhi gaye toh bhul na jaana.

Ankhon mein bassee ho
Par door ho kaheen
Dil ke kareeb ho
Yeh mujhko hai yakeen

O Sanam tere pyar ki kasam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP9ib63VAi0

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January 8_AS

The concept of "evil eye" is not new to Indians. I was once waiting in a hospital and my son who was probably three years then was laughing uncontrollably. Every one in the waiting room was looking at him. The way he was laughing looked really cute. An old lady came up to me and said "veetukku pona udana kozhandaikku suthi podu ma".

It is also for this reason that in many families, they don't even take a picture of the child until the naming ceremony is over. "Dhrishti pottu" or a black dot is often placed on the child's forehead to ward off any evil eye. Different families follow different methods to ward off the evil eye.

During my visit to Srilanka, I found that they have something similar to the "Dhrishti bommai" used in front of houses to ward off evil eye. Many other cultures believe in the concept of evil eye. It would need a another post to talk about the numerous practices followed in India and in other places to keep the evil eye away.

What is the connection between "Evil eye" and today's MWC? People around the world believe it is possible to cast an evil eye on human beings, animals and even plants. But is it possible to cast an evil eye on the all powerful God? The poet Oothukkadu Venkata Subbaiyer believes so. In this song, he asks Lord Krishna to not dance and make merry since someone might cast an evil eye on him.

Just wondering how powerful our thoughts should be. On one hand people say it is possible to heal through Reiki and on other hand it is also possible to cause distress to others through our thoughts!!!!

Presenting "Adathu Asangathu" sung by Aruna Sairam. Talk about a singer with stage presence and it should be her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpwPEs-F3yc

Lyrics

pallavi
ADadu asangAdu vA kaNNA
un ADalil irEzhu bhuvanamum
asaindu asaindADude enavE

anupallavi
ADalai kAna (kaNNA un) tillai ambalat-tiRaivanum
tan ADalai viTTu ingE gOkulam vandAn
AdalinAl siru yAdavanE oru mA mayiliRagani mAdavanE nI

charaNam
chinnan-siru padangal silambolittiDumE
adai sevimaDuttap-piravi manam kaLittiDumE
pinniya saDai satRE vagaik-kalaindiDumE
mayil pIli asaindu-asaindu nilai kalaindiDumE
panniRu kai iRaivan Eru mayil ondRu
tan pasun-togai virittADi parisaLittiDumE
madhayamakAla sahityam
kuzhal pAdi varum azhagA
unaik-kANavarum aDiyAr evarAyinum
kanaka maNi asaiyum unadu tiru natanam
kaN paTTu pOnAl manam puN paTTu pOgumE

Translation

Pallavi
Oh Krishna, please come without dancing and shaking,
For if you do that all the fourteen worlds would be moving and rolling.

Anupallavi
For seeing your dance The Lord Nataraja has left Chidambaram,
And has come to Gokula and Oh little Yadava, oh Madava,
Please leave out that one big feather of the peacock.

Charanam
With anklets making jingling sounds when your little feet move,
The mind that hears would be shaken by that,
The pig tail that I made would be fully disturbed,
With the peacocks feather shaking and shaking,
And would loose its Balance, Oh God with 12 hands,
The peacock that you ride opened its feathers to dance,
And to give you a present, Oh pretty one who comes singing,
Any of those devotees, who would come to see you,
Would be greatly upset if some evil eyes,
Affect the dance of yours with golden bells swinging,
And their mind would be deeply hurt.

Thanks to RJ for these versions

http://youtu.be/xwjIC-qQa2U
http://youtu.be/FjAXkMq8Vvo

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January 13_AS

Magic happens not only when David Copperfield gets on stage. Magic happens even when Illayaraja composes. I have said the name..do I need to write anything more? Or is it even possible to write about him and try to fit his accomplishments in this small MWC post? I once saw Mysskin (director, his latest movie being Pisasu) talk about Illayaraja. I though how can someone be so insanely in love with a composer!!! But I also knew that he was probably one of the millions of fans who feel so deeply about him, about his music.

Today we are going to hear his latest composition. This is the first time he has composed for a classical dance drama. It is sung by Abhishek Raghuram. The song is from Sundarar's Thevaram. The violin prelude to Ezhisaiyai is just mesmerizing. This is my pick from the album Swapnam. But do listen to the other songs too. The album is worth a buy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY1j2k1nPLs