- Lyricist
- Karthik Netha
- Singer
- Pradeep Kumar
- Music director
- Govind Vasantha
- Movie name
- 96
- Movie release year
- 2018
- Lyrics added on
- 15 Jul 2018
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
'Life of Ram' from the film '96' (2018) is a soulful, philosophical anthem capturing the essence of solitude, nature, and living in the present moment. Through the eyes of Ram, a travel photographer, the lyrics convey a state of deep contentment derived from non-attachment, self-awareness, and harmony with the universe. Rather than seeking validation or social conformity, Ram finds peace in observation—viewing himself like a stranger, reflecting the world like a mirror, and moving freely like a falcon in the wind. The song reflects on how wisdom and appreciation often arrive through distance and age, encouraging mindfulness and gratitude for life's understated beauty.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Simile (Upamai)
“Sudar pol thelivaai”
Compares clarity of self-realization to a bright, clear flame.
Metaphor (Uruvagam)
“Kannadiyaai piranthae / Kaangindra ellamum naan aagiren”
Compares the speaker to a mirror that reflects and absorbs whatever it beholds.
Simile (Upamai)
“Iru kaalin idayilae / Urasum poonaiyaai / Vazhkai pothum adada”
Compares life's comforting, affectionate nature to a pet cat rubbing against one's legs.
Simile (Upamai)
“Neerin aazhathil / Pogindra kal polavae”
Compares submerging into nature/art quietly to a stone sinking into deep water without noise.
Simile (Upamai)
“Thimileri kaalai mel / Thoongum kaagamai”
Compares resting peacefully on earth to a crow sleeping undisturbed on a bull's hump.
Did you know?
Trivia
'Life of Ram' was composed by Govind Vasantha, written by Karthik Netha, and sung by Pradeep Kumar. The song acts as the character introduction for Ram (played by Vijay Sethupathi) in '96'. Karthik Netha won the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist – Tamil for his evocative work on this track.
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