The Good Life
7 Classic Bollywood Songs That Are Life-lessons in Disguise
5 min read
•
Apr 1, 2021
In hours of anxiety or in the moments the heart wants to burst with joy, there’s a classic Bollywood tune just around the corner waiting to become your anthem. We can write full passages of our love for the artistry in lyrics and music composition that defined the yesteryears of Bollywood music; but suffice to say that the magic of those classics isn't limited to a good tune.
This was music that touched us deeply, with words set in melodies that mesmerized listeners on the effervescence of emotions. To bring alive happy memories and feel the ardent sting of loss – experienced by people we never really knew. We are happy to present 7 classics that express a plethora of emotions and encourage us to never give up on life.
1. Main zindagi ka saath nibhaata chala gaya
Har fikr ko dhuein mein udaata chala gaya
The song tells you to keep moving in life, no matter how difficult the road ahead seems. Mourning failures is a waste of time. Instead, keep going and celebrate failures. Whatever you receive, believe it was your destiny. Whatever you lose, leave it’s sting behind. By doing so, your problems will blow away like rings of smoke.
Movie: Hum Dono (1961)
Music: Jaidev
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhiyanvi
Singers: Mohd Rafi
Music: Jaidev
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhiyanvi
Singers: Mohd Rafi
2. Zindagi ek safar hai suhana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana
The song speaks about the transience of life and the importance of living every moment to its fullest. Life is a wonderful journey. Treat it joyfully and live each day with a smile. Try to reach high without worrying too much about the rest of the world. Death is bound to come one day. The soul will depart. So, don’t spend time worrying about petty issues, since no one knows what the future will be!
Movie: Andaz (1971)
Music: Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipur
Singers: Kishore Kumar
Music: Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipur
Singers: Kishore Kumar
3. Zindagi Ki Yehi reet Hai
Haar ke baad hi jeet hai.
Thode aansu hain, thodi hansi
Aaj gham hai to kal hai khushi.
Life is a package of sadness, happiness, tears and smiles. There's a victory awaiting a defeat. So, when the clouds of sorrow spread, do not give up; keep the lamps of hope burning and you will surely experience joy tomorrow. If only you develop the ability to see life as your friend and partner – you will be able to embrace it with all its bounties and flaws.
Movie: Mr. India (1987)
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singers: Kishore Kumar
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Singers: Kishore Kumar
4. Ek din bik jayega mati ke mol<
Jag mein reh jayenge pyare tere bol
According to the song, a day will come when life will end. What will be left behind, are just your words, your legacy. So, ensure you leave the world better than you found it.
Do not give up; no matter how many obstacles misfortune may place in your way. Death will unite you with your lost beloved. This longing, this separation, these moments of sadness are temporary. So, be brave, and live without fear of life.
Movie: Dharam Karam (1975)
Music: R. D. Burman
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Mukesh
Music: R. D. Burman
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Mukesh
5. Kuchh to log kahenge
logon ka kaam hai kehnaa
chhoRo bekaar ki baaton mein
kaheen beet na jaaye rainaa
This song tells you to stop thinking about what others think of you. No matter who you are -some people will always disapprove, and it’s not worth paying attention to. Sometimes all it takes is one comment from someone to turn your mood around. Do not be affected by these things. Instead, live every moment of your life as per your rules, without regrets.
Movie: Amar Prem
Music: R. D. Burman
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Singers: Kishore Kumar
Music: R. D. Burman
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Singers: Kishore Kumar
6. Ruk jana nahin tu kahin haar ke
Kanto pe chal ke milenge saye bahaar ke
This song tells you to keep going, no matter how rough life seems. A road of thorns will lead you to spring someday. Life throws up situations to test one’s love and patience. If one can just do what is needed and what is right, the outcome will be just. Just mulling over or musing about bad things and situations won’t do any good. Take the right action and keep moving ahead because action opens the doors to any destination.
Movie: Imtihaan
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Kishore Kumar
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers: Kishore Kumar
7. Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai
Ho Sake to Iss Mein Zindagi Bitaado
Pal Jo Yeh Jaanewala Hai
This song is an exploration of fleeting time, and how we must tap every moment for the endless potential of joy. The song inspires us to live before life passes by.
Movie: Golmaal (1979)
Music: RD Burman
Lyrics: Gulzar
Singers: Kishore Kumar
Music: RD Burman
Lyrics: Gulzar
Singers: Kishore Kumar
Even in our times, old music and ‘remixes’ do better in general than fresh music. Science backs that: old melodies feel familiar and comforting to a listener. But when these golden tunes are coupled with unforgettable words that melt into your memory and speak to your soul, music becomes the stuff of inspiration, your muse for life and profound life lessons in disguise.
On a lighter note, go on and open that Golden Oldies playlist on your music app or player, and find something new (or old in this case) to inspire awe!
People with similar interests also read:
The Good Life
The Good Life
