- Lyricist
- Vivek
- Singer
- Benny Dayal
- Music director
- A. R. Rahman
- Movie name
- 99 Songs
- Movie release year
- 2021
- Lyrics added on
- 14 Mar 2021
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
Naalai Naalai from '99 Songs' is a high-energy yet poignant youth anthem celebrating college life, deep-rooted friendship, and the bitter-sweet transition into the future. The lyrics capture the carefree innocence of student days—sharing meals under tree shades, scribbling on classroom walls, bunking lectures, and creating unforgettable memories. It portrays college not merely as an educational institution, but as the foundational stepping stone where lifelong bonds are forged and life's true meaning is discovered. Despite the underlying anxiety of stepping out into the competitive world ('tomorrow waging war'), the song maintains an optimistic and triumphant outlook. It emphasizes that the future belongs to youth who walk down these college corridors together. Through nostalgic roll-calls of iconic campus spots like the canteen, library, and late-night hangouts, lyricist Vivek and composer A. R. Rahman capture the universal emotional experience of graduation.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Anaphora / Epizeuxis (Repetition)
“O naalai naalai naalai”
The word 'Naalai' (Tomorrow) is repeated multiple times continuously to emphasize anticipation, hope, and the inevitability of entering the future.
Upamai (Simile)
“Mazhaiyai polaa”
The chaotic mix of emotions like love, anger, and affection experienced during college days is directly compared to rain using the explicit comparative word 'polaa'.
Uruvagam (Metaphor)
“Adhan paadhai indha kalloori saalai”
The college road is metaphorically equated to the literal path leading towards the future.
Metaphor
“Ye natpin kural mattum sangeetham”
The sound of friends talking and laughing together is elevated to the level of pure music.
Rhetorical Question
“Chorus :Marappoma”
The chorus repeatedly poses the question 'Will we forget?' to highlight the unforgettable nature of college memories.
Did you know?
Trivia
'99 Songs' (2021) marks A. R. Rahman's debut as a film producer and co-writer. 'Naalai Naalai' serves as the quintessential college graduation song of the album, rendered with boundless youthful energy by Benny Dayal.
Keep listening
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