- Lyricist
- Gaana Bala
- Singer
- Gana Bala
- Music director
- Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Movie name
- Vai Raja Vai
- Movie release year
- 2015
- Lyrics added on
- 4 Mar 2017
Lyrics & meaning
Beyond the translation
Overall song meaning
The title song from 'Vai Raja Vai' is a lively Gaana track that delivers philosophical street-smart wisdom. Written and performed in local Chennai Tamil slang, the song reflects on the illusory nature of life, viewing human existence as a game of chance and betting ('Vai Raja Vai'). Despite the cynical view that life is unpredictable and fleeting, it encourages self-reliance, hard work, and practical survival using one's own two hands. Through metaphors of street games, exams, card games ('Ulla Velaiya'), and everyday survival tactics, the lyricist presents a pragmatic worldview: avoid looking for unnecessary trouble, but stand your ground when challenged, and navigate life's gambles with confidence and humor.
Writing craft
Poetic devices
Monaai (Initial Alliteration)
“Vandha kadha vaazhntha kadha”
Repetition of the 'Va' sound at the beginning of words in the opening line creates a rhythmic cadenced hook.
Iyaibu (End Rhyme)
“Intha vaazhka oru poi / Nee pozhaika rendu kai / Naa solluratha sei”
The end-rhymes using 'poi', 'kai', and 'sei' create a catchy, repetitive refrain characteristic of Gaana poetry.
Metaphor
“Ulla veliya aatathila / Onnam number-u naanu”
Comparing life and human situations to games like cricket, chess ('check-ah'), and traditional card games ('Ulla veliya').
Did you know?
Trivia
The phrase 'Vai Raja Vai' originates from traditional Tamil street carnival gambling games where the announcer invites players to place their bets. The film's soundtrack was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, and the song was written and sung by famous Chennai Gaana artist Gaana Bala.
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