- Lyricist
- Na. Muthu Kumar
- Singers
- Karthik, Tippu, S. N. Surendar
- Music director
- Ilayaraja
- Movie name
- Manasellam
- Movie release year
- 2003
- Lyrics added on
- 6 Jan 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The song 'Highways-u Lae Lae' from the movie 'Manasellam' (2003) is an exuberant, youthful anthem celebrating lightheartedness, freedom, and the uninhibited joy of living. The lyrics reject modern bureaucratic constraints—symbolized humorously by visiting cards and ration cards—proclaiming that love and nature need no permission, badges, or speed bumps. It encourages living in the present moment, turning life's everyday simple occurrences like rain, sea waves, and moonlight into playful adventures. Throughout the track, the emotional arc shifts from light playful teasing to a grand philosophical affirmation of life. Na. Muthu Kumar's lyrics emphasize that youth and human spirits shouldn't be bogged down by emotional burdens ('Nenjukul baaram illae'). Instead, one should dream awake and compress a century's worth of joy into a single moment, treating life as one continuous celebration ('Vaazhvae or kondaatamdhaan').
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Metaphor
“Vennilavu pandhaattam dhaan”
Compares the full white moon to a ball meant to be played with, symbolizing innocent playfulness.
Simile
“Oru minmini pol”
Uses the word 'pol' (like) to compare the wandering human spirit during the night to a glowing firefly.
Ethugai (Second-letter Rhyme)
“Pookkalai paarthida / Kaadhalai vaangida”
The second consonant sound 'k'/'d' pattern (or structural parallel) links these lines in Tamil rhythmic verse structure.
Hyperbole
“Nooraandu vaazhvellaam nimishaththil vaazhvomae”
An exaggeration claiming to live a whole century's worth of life in a single minute, highlighting intense joy.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Manasellam' (2003) features music composed by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics penned by late celebrated lyricist Na. Muthu Kumar. The film stars Srikanth and Trisha in the lead roles. The track features energetic vocals combining playful folk refrains ('Yelae maama') with contemporary rhythm arrangements characteristic of Ilaiyaraaja's early 2000s light-music experimentation.
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