HUMAN VALUES IN LYRICAL LITERATURE

G.V.V.S.V.Prasad Babu,                                                                                         M.Com, DBF(CFA),NET,(Ph.D),                                                                                         Lecturer in Commerce,                                                                                                   Govt.Degree College,Narsipatnam.                                                                                           Ph: 9492807312                                                                                                                             E-mail:[email protected]

“you don’t know what you’ve got/till it’s gone..”- Joni Mitchell  (Big Yellow Taxi)\

ABSTRACT

Global arena, these days, is confronting alarming odds. Word-war-like conditions among nations, Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Dire poverty, Violation of Human Rights, Lack of Trust among individuals, Stress in the daily relationships etc. are only the tip of iceberg. Educational, political and scientific systems are clueless in finding apt or suitable solutions to these problems. When we sincerely analyze the issues, we can easily find the root cause is a “confused Human being” or an individual who has no clarity on life. Human values are the basics which give clarity and drive the individual in a right path. Human values are portrayed by many eminent personalities in many ways. But, this paper is based on the version and of R.R.Gaur, R.Sangal and G.P.Bagaria “Human Values and Professional Ethics”. Their approach is both scientific and rational and not merely on spiritual grounds. They professed harmony at four levels i.e. individual, family, society and nature is only the solution to the world grief. This can be done only through self-exploration. This paper tries to highlight and discuss human values depicted in lyrical literature. The lyric was defined by its musical accompaniment, usually on a stringed instrument known as lyre (Wikipedia). The lyrical literature is available both in film and non-film art forms. Lyrical literature helps the content of human values reach the masses. A layman can easily understand the values in lyrics better. Lyrics in songs convey the internal meanings of the values in hard texts in our epics, kavyaas and other research works of thinkers of India. The impact of lyrics through songs on an individual will be more than that of any other forms. As the subject of human values is universal and has vast scope, we need to focus on some significant values in human relationships like Respect, Trust, Justice and Love etc. This paper is a collection of lyrics in Telugu, Hindi and English songs from both film and non-film sources. This paper will put light on the values which help humankind in achieving harmony at all levels and to live with happiness. 

INTRODUCTION

Global arena, these days, is confronting alarming odds. Word-war-like conditions among nations, Terrorism, Human Trafficking, Dire poverty, Violation of Human Rights, Lack of Trust among individuals, Stress in the daily relationships etc. are only the tip of iceberg. Educational, political and scientific systems are clueless in finding apt or suitable solutions to these problems. When we sincerely analyze the issues, we can easily find the root cause is a “confused Human being” or an individual who has no clarity on life. Human values are the basics which give clarity and drive the individual in a right path.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

1. To search for values in the lyrical literature.
2. To highlight the importance of human values.

 

NATURE OF THE STUDY:         This paper tries to highlight and discuss human values depicted in lyrical literature. Lyrics in songs convey the internal meanings of the values in hard texts in our epics, kavyaas and other research works of thinkers of India. The impact of lyrics through songs on an individual will be more than that of any other forms. There are many lyricists but in this study takes works of few of them like C.Narayana Reddy, Sirivennela, Veturi, Atreya, English Lyricists: Bob Dylan, and Leslie Lews (Coloniel Cousins) and Hindi lyricists like Anjaan and Amitabh Bhattacharya.         Information is gathered from sources like Audio CD’s of film and non-film, the websites and the lyrics books available.

KEY WORDS: Human Values, Lyrics, Harmony.   For the convenience, some repeating names of the lyricists are used in abbreviations:  CNR- C.Narayana Reddy, SSS –Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry.

NEED FOR VALUE EDUCATION:

MATALU RANI MRUGAALU SAITHAM MANCHIGA KALASI JEEVINCHENU

MATALU NERCHINA MANAVA JATHI MARANA HOMAM SAGINCHENU

MANISHE PERIGI MANASE THARIGI MAMATHE MARICHADU MANAVUDU-Acharya Atreya(Bhakta Thukaram) (Wild animals which can’t even speak live with co-existence, but man even after becoming knowledge person, is creating destruction in the world.)“Himalyamu pai Jenda Pathenu, aakashamlo shikaru chesenu.. ainaa manishi maaraledu” –Pingali (Gundamma Kadha). Man conquered the Himalayas, but he doesn’t changed himself. The above lines pointing out the man’s Journey all these years. “palikedhi vedha mantram, nadipedi neethi tantram, asalu rangu bayata padite.. aa devuni avataram/purushulendaro punya purushulemo kondare/idi yepudo telipindi adhrvana vedam” –CNR(Intlo Rammayya Veedhilo Krishnayya). Man professes morals, quotes Vedas, but when it comes to practice he doesn’t follow them. The Adharvana veda said that men are many but Gentlemen are few. “kal ki beeti kal hui thi/aane wala kal bara hai/dil ne phir karwat li dekho/dil mein koi bal para hai” –Amitabh Bhattacharya (Dhangal) What happened yesterday, happened, the tomorrow that is coming is more important. See the heart has taken a turn again, there is a wrinkle in the heart.  At this juncture, Education has a great role to play. Unfortunately, it delivers less-quality contents to the generations. It is concentrating on mugging up of the matter but not on enlightenment and character building. “medhadu ku chedalu pattakunte/hrudayam addamalle vunte/chaalani telusukunna telive chaduvanta” by SSS (Adavi Ramudu) It is the real education which cleans the heart and enlighten the soul.  “Bayata vunnadhi prapancham annadi chudaraa guru.. kaaleji lo maharajulu ee gatu daataaka prajalouduru” by SSS (Gulabi) Eduction is imprted not only in the classrooms but also in the outside world. Observing and experiencing the outside world gives real educaton.  

VALUE EDUCATION:

Human values are portrayed by many eminent personalities in many ways. But, this paper is based on the version and of R.R.Gaur, R.Sangal and G.P.Bagaria “Human Values and Professional Ethics”. Their approach is both scientific and rational and not merely on spiritual grounds. They professed harmony at four levels i.e. individual, family, society and nature is only the solution to the world grief. This can be done only through self-exploration.

1. Harmony in individual (Self)
2. Harmony in Family
3. Harmony in society
4. Harmony in nature & Existence

RIGHT UNDERSTANDING

Today, people believing that money is more important than anything else and everything can be achieved through money. Money is dictating things. Wealth maximization is only the target of human beings. These are all wrong notions. Nobel Laureate Musician Bob Dylan’s lyrics in Masters of War “I think you will find/when death takes its toll/all the money you made/will never buy back your soul..” . So, we can’t buy everything with money.  “manishi madi lona mamatha leni chaduvulenduku..” by CNR (Athma Bandhuvu)  The education is futile if it doesn’t give sensitive heart.  “Sommu pilavagaladaa vennelani/kotha vaanaloni  ee matti suvaasanani ye angadi ammutundira” –SSS (Eswar) Money can’t buy the moonlight and nobody can sell the fragrance of the soil.  “deepaniki kiranam aabharanam/hrudayaniki taragani guname aabharanam” – CNR (Chaduvu-sanskaram) Like the ray is to light, good behavior is the ornament to the heart.  “Puttinti aranaalu/ghanamaina katnaalu/abhimaanamantha viluva chesunaa”-Kosaraju(Kalisi vunte Kaladu sukham) Will the huge amounts of money worth the value of affection?  “pai merugulake Brama padakayya/ manase maayani sogasayya/guname taragani dhanamayya”-Samudrala (Donga Ramudu) Don’t be spoiled by appearences, the beautiful heart and flawless character are the real prosperity.

HARMONY AT INDIVIDUAL LEVEL: Human Being is the combination of Body and Self.  Human being has to ensure harmony in body and self.

BODY: Body wants are limited. It satisfies with the physical facilities. “Ee menu muudu naalla muchatenura/aishwarya dhasyammu manukora”-Samudrala (Bhu Kailash), “Maanava yemunnadi ee dheham/ idi rakta mamsamula asti panjaram/deenipai yelara ee vyaamoham”-N/A (Chakradhari) This human body is a physical structure containing blood, flesh and skeleton. Its duration is limited. Don’t care so much about the body pleasures.

SELF:   The needs of self are unlimited. It craves for respect, love etc.

”Jagamantha Kutumabam naadhi/ekaaki jeevitham naadhi”-SSS (Chakram) The soul or self owns the whole world as a family and also lives in loneliness. “Athyaasa manavuni shatruvanta/thyaga jeevaname veediponi mitrudanta”-Samudrala (Bhu Kailash) The greed is the enemy to the man and dependable friend is sacrifice.  “Korikale gurraalaithe/uhalake rekkalu vaste/manishi ki mathi pothundi/brathuke shruthi tapputundi”- Atreya (Korikale Gurralaithe) If our wants behave like horses and our imaginations start stretching wings, we will go mad and life loses its balance.  “Aadhi Bhikshuvu vaani nedhi koredhi …”-SSS (Sirivennela) What is the most thing that I can ask the almighty?!   “eppudaite puttindo manishiloni mayadari aasha/dhaani chitikenelu pattukoni ventapadi vachindi paisa” SSS. When the wicked want starts coming into mind the greed of money will follows it.  “thanaki antha telusunani/thane oka ghanudani/thalache Narudu vaanarudu” – Atreya (Bhakta Tukaram)Thinking that I know everything, feeling that I am only the greatest are foolish things.

SELF-EXPLORATION: We need to check for happiness in every moment and whether our decisions are leading to the happiness at all levels.

“challaga saage selayeti vole/manase nirmalamai vikasinchaali”- Atreya (Bhakta tukaram) Like a noiseless stream, the self should be quiet and clean.

“pasidi patakala haaram kaadura vijaya theeram/aatane maata ki ardham/ninu nuve geluchu yuddham/ee vijayadhasami jaripe mundu cheduni jayinchara”-SSS (Aata) Bringing harmony in self is the real task.  Sometimes, stress in the self leads to suicides. If we understand the self well we can avoid such feelings.  “aghaadhamagu jalanidhi lona aanimutyam unnatule/shokaala maruguna daagi sukamunnadile” –SriSri (Velugu Needalu) As the pearls hide in the deepest bottoms, the happiness hides behind the sorrows.  “Kalimi lemulu kasta sukhalu/kaavadi lo kundalani bayameloyi/kaavadi koyyenoy kundalu mannenoy/ kanugonte satyamintenoy” – Samudrala (Devadasu) Happiness-sorrow, and prosperity-poverty are like two pots in the balance. Knowing the pots are nothing but soil and the balance is wood, is the real understanding. We should strive for excellence and not to satisfy our egos. “thaanevaro telusukuni.. thana bhadyata grahinchu vaade jnaani vijnaani” – Atreya (Bhakta tukaram) He, who knows about his self and tries to get right understanding, is called matured man.   “raatrilo sogasu yemito chuupadaanike chukkalu/batuku lo teepi emito cheppadanike chikkulu”- SSS (Chandra Lekha) As stars enhance the beauty of the night, tough times enhance the sweetness of life.

HARMONY IN FAMILY: For harmony in Family, Values like Respect, Gratitude, Affection, guidance, Glory and Love are needed.

“mallunna maanyaalunna… paadi unna pantalu unna panchukune manishundaali” –Atreya (Thodu-needa) You may have lots of wealth, but what really need is a person to share. Relationships are so important.   “vivaristunnadi addam/mana anubhandaaniki ardham/nuvu naalaagaa nenu neelaaga/kanipinchadame satyam”- SSS (Nee sneham) The mirror says you and I are alike. It means the nature of self is same in everyone. Try to relate to the self in other person.  “ee anantha kaala gamanam lo/ee ravantha jeevana payanamlo/andharu neevaaru” – Atreya (Sandhya) This is a short span of life, feel that everyone is yours.   “anubandhaale anumaanaalaku aahuthi avutunte”-Atreya (Rama laxmanulu) Lacking of Trust is the barrier to all the relationships.   “krodham gundenu kosestunte/kalagadu gnaanodayam” –CNR (yuvatharam Kadhilindi)  The anger cuts the heart and breaks the relationship. Here, we should remember that the person is more important than the issue we discuss.   “paduguri saukyam pande/diname panduga kada” –SSS (Rudra Veena) The people around us should be happy and prosperous, that is the real day of celebration.    “dheerulaki deenulaki amma odi okkate/veerulaki chorulaki kanta thadi okkate” –SSS (Jalsa) Mother’s lap is same for both destitute and the rich. Tears of pain are same for the warriors as well as thieves. So, all are equal.“kaarla kaina kaalla kaina sadak okatera/evadi kalala kotaki maharaja vaadera” –SSS (Eswar) The path is same for cars and pedestrians. Everyone is emperor for his own life.   “abhimanam abharanam mariyaade bhushanam/gunamu manchidi aithe chaalaya” –Kosaraju (Kalisi vunte Kaladu Sukham) The worthy ornament man should wear is Respect. “endalanu dandistaama vaanalanu nindistaama/rojulatho raajee padama sarlemmani/sati manushula tho maatram/saaganani enduku pantham” –SSS (Sitamma vakitlo sirimalle chettu-SVSC) We don’t blame seasons, we try to adjust with them but why we are not ready to understand and moe with people?    “chachi chedi saadhinachaala sukha shantulu/manushulanipinche rujuvu/manasulanu teriche hitavu/ vandellaina vaadani chirunavvu” –SSS (SVSC) The only simple key that opens every heart is smile. It is the proof for humanity.

Love

“ivvaalanipinchada ishku vunte” in Jaago song – Ramajogayya sastry (Sreemantudu) If you have the value “Love”, you are comfortable in giving.

“Srusthi lo teeyanidi snehamera” –CNR (palleturi monagadu) The sweetest thing in life is Love and affection.

HARMONY IN SOCIETY: At Society level harmony can be achieved through the values like Justice.  “Nee dharmam nee samgam nee desam nuvvu maravoddu..” –CNR (Kodalu diddina kaapuram) Don’t forget your Duty, Society and your country.         “loka samasta sukhinobhavantu/aa vedam maa yeda naadam/aa maata kardham idantu chupali/ mana jeevitham” –SSS (Yuva sena) “May everyone in this world be happy” It should be our prayer and motto.

“Farz imaan ki zinda yahan misaal bano/paraya dhan parayi naar pe nazar mat dalo/ buri aadat hai ye aadat abhi badal dalo/kyun ki ye aadat toh who aag hai joh/ek din apna ghar phoonke” – Anjaan (Namak Halaal) Be loyal to your country,Be an living example of duty and faith, Don’t look at other people’s money and women. It’s a bad habit, so change it. Because this habit is like fire which will one day burn your house (Filmy Quotes.com).

“kulam leni matam leni/mamate mana baata ra/manavata nu chaatara”- CNR (yuvatharam kadilindi) “kinda vaallu ika paiki randira/andarokkatiga kalisi pondira/eenaati nunchi peragali manchi/yenaatikaina gelavaali manishi” – Atreya (Babu) There should not be any differences based on caste, creed and colour. The downtrodden people should be uplifted and all of should unite as one.   

“puttinapudu pattuku raadu/poyetappudu pattuku podu/muudu naalla ee muchata kosam mosaalu enduku dveshalu enduku “ – CNR (Mahammad Bin Tuglak) We bring nothing when we born, and when we die nothing will come with us. Then why should we try to deceive and hate others?

“bhoganni vidichi tyaagaanni malichi/jana sankshemame sankalpamugaa” –SSS (Indra) Leave the greed, do sacrifice for the benefit of the society.

“aakaasam thaake ye medakaina/aakaaram leda ee nelalo/pudamini chudani kannu nadapadu munduku ninnu… ” –SSS (Rudra Veena) “antharaalu anthamai antha aanandamai/kalisi melisi managalige kaalam” –SSS (Kanche) all the differences must come to an end, and all must live together happily.

Peace

“ye sirulenduku/aathma shanthi lenide” – CNR (Dhanama-daivama) What should we do with all this wealth? It worths nothing if you don’t have the peace of mind. “Shanthi mantramai gaalantha disalanni allani eevela” – SSS (Indra) “kulam matam kalapandi ponge godaarilo/manavulai saagandi mahaneeyula daarilo” –Veturi (Godavari Pongindi) “bharatha bhaarathi pada sannidi lo/kula mata saagara sangama shrutilo” –Veturi (Seetakoka Chiluka) Caste and religion destroy the friendship among us. Let us uphold the values of the nation by using peace as the buzz-word. “marumallello ee jagamantha viriyaga/prathi udayamlo shanty kosame thapanaga” –Veturi (Amrutha) Peace should be restored in the world at any cost. We should put an end to terrorism and other violence based on hatred.

HAROMONY AT NATURE LEVEL:  To achieve harmony in nature, we should co-exist with the all living and non-living beings without doing harm.

 “Ee gaali ee nela ee vuru selayeru/nanu kanna naa vaallu/naa kalla logillu” –SSS (Sirivennela) This wind, this soil, this stream all are like my parents. I should keep them in my eyes and protect them. I should do no harm to the living and non-living environment. “pranaamam prabhata suryudiki pranaamam/samastha prakrutiki pranaamam” –Ramajogayya sastry (Janatha Garage). Salutations to the nature. “sapta varna sanketam/velugu indra chaapam/sahajeevaname aa rupam/sahanamokkate sandesham” –Veturi (Godavari Pongindi) Like the colors in a rainbow co-existence is the primary principle of nature.

Existence

To get rid off from the world problems man prays for the god.

“Come back as Jesus/come back as rama/come back as allah/come back and save the world/They need a teacher/you are the only one”- Krishna song by Coloniel Cousins. “ye zameen jab na thi ye jahaan jab na tha/chaand suraj na the aasmaan jab na tha/tab na tha kuch yahaan/magar thu hi thu” – Allahoo song by Nusrat Fate Alikhan (Private Album). Even when there was no earth, sun, moon and sky at all, even when there was nothing else here.. O.. Almighty. You were there.

“saati maanavali hrudaya aalayala koluvu deeri  vunnadu aa deva devudu” – (Shirdi Sai) Almighty resides in every soul. “manishi ki daivaaniki enaati nuncho vairamu/veedi korika vaaru teercharu/vaari daariki veedu velladu” –

CNR (Premalu-pellillu) Man never try to follow what the god expects from him.

“Yedhi Satyam Yedhi Satyam.. Chivariki anthaa Shuunyam Shuunyam” – CNR (Premalu-pellillu) Man always searches for the truth. What is the truth? What is the real truth? The origin and end-point to everything is Space.

Space is God.

References:

1. Human Values and Professional Ethics by R.R.Gaur, R.Sangal, G.P.Bagaria.
2. wikipedia.com
3. raaga.com
4. gaana.com
5. Sakshi Funday
6. Eenadu daily