I grew up listening to tamil movie songs (not because I wanted to but because I had a brother and sister who were certifiably music crazy in their younger days). I like running and have found that some tamil songs are peculiarly suited to pumping up the adrenaline during the run. I dont carry iPod or wear headphones when I run. I listen to the songs when I am not running, enough times, that I can remember the whole song. I didnt get to see most of the songs until after I got to college and even when I saw them, it was only the music and words that mattered. As a result, most of these songs include horrendous acting as a rule. All of the songs focus on the individual and use flowery language and violence. Lots of songs feature Rajni as he usually acts in roles that are designed to satisfy his fans and have no relation to reality. This set of Rajni songs are very effective at energizing me during my running. After all, what better way to pick myself up than through songs that border on delusion ? The songs that dont feature Rajni are usually the ones where the lines of the song perform the motivating job very well.
Vetri nichayam - Annamalai
This is the only song I know that works all the time, for me whether I am running a mile or 20 miles. I even finished my first marathon, with a foot injury, replaying this song in my head. I dont have any particular friend or relative in my mind, only things that annoyed me. Add to that, thalaivar's voice (To me, SPB is thalaivar, not Rajni) is just perfect, especially at the end when he finishes strong with 'Unnai vendraen'. The song has a flow and manic focus on work that allows me to visualize succeeding at the target distance for the day.
Arjunar villu - Gilli
This is one of the newer songs in the list which is perfect for any workout, not only running. The picturization is good. The only drag is Sukhwinder Singh's murder of tamil but the song has grown on me so much I dont hold that against it.
Ovvoru pookalumae - Autograph
The lines speak for themselves. Music is very very ordinary but the lines are worth their weight in gold. Especially, at the interlude of the conductor at 4:15. One of the very few songs that explains effort in very much common sense terms but does it so well, without recourse to god or supernatural or violence, that even the lack of fast music beats is not felt.
Vetri kodi kattu - Padayappa
The repeating refrain is very very effective in this song. This is the song in the movie where Rajni becomes wealthy by the end of the song. It is very similar in tone to Vetri Nichayam but here the song diverges into some unnecessary areas before coming back to the motivational piece(the repetitive portion that starts after 'vetri kodi kattu').
Agaram ippo sigaram ippo - Sigaram
Beautifully sung by SPB with very meaningful lines. I didnt get to watch this song till mid-90s so my like isnt based on the picturization(not that it would have helped). To me, the line 'Vaanodu mudivum illai, vaazhvodu vidaiyum illai, inrenbathu unmaiyae, nambikkai ungal kaiyilae' probably makes my day whenever I replay this song in my head. The lines are very well written, meant more as appreciation of an relationship than as a motivating song.
Tholvi nilayena - Oomai Vizhigal
Truly bad acting is defined in this song(Thankfully, Arun pandian failed as an actor in tamil movies. Else, it would have been terrible for movie fans). The lines are pitch perfect for motivation(the song starts slow and increases in tempo at the end) as it deals mainly with self-respect, growing out of fear and holding onto one's principles.
Ethir neechal - Ethir neechal
The song plays during the titles of the movie. The lines are good, as could be expected from that era tamil movies. It is pretty straightforward in terms of putting in effort against status quo.
Vetri nichayam - Annamalai
This is the only song I know that works all the time, for me whether I am running a mile or 20 miles. I even finished my first marathon, with a foot injury, replaying this song in my head. I dont have any particular friend or relative in my mind, only things that annoyed me. Add to that, thalaivar's voice (To me, SPB is thalaivar, not Rajni) is just perfect, especially at the end when he finishes strong with 'Unnai vendraen'. The song has a flow and manic focus on work that allows me to visualize succeeding at the target distance for the day.
Arjunar villu - Gilli
This is one of the newer songs in the list which is perfect for any workout, not only running. The picturization is good. The only drag is Sukhwinder Singh's murder of tamil but the song has grown on me so much I dont hold that against it.
Ovvoru pookalumae - Autograph
The lines speak for themselves. Music is very very ordinary but the lines are worth their weight in gold. Especially, at the interlude of the conductor at 4:15. One of the very few songs that explains effort in very much common sense terms but does it so well, without recourse to god or supernatural or violence, that even the lack of fast music beats is not felt.
Vetri kodi kattu - Padayappa
The repeating refrain is very very effective in this song. This is the song in the movie where Rajni becomes wealthy by the end of the song. It is very similar in tone to Vetri Nichayam but here the song diverges into some unnecessary areas before coming back to the motivational piece(the repetitive portion that starts after 'vetri kodi kattu').
Agaram ippo sigaram ippo - Sigaram
Beautifully sung by SPB with very meaningful lines. I didnt get to watch this song till mid-90s so my like isnt based on the picturization(not that it would have helped). To me, the line 'Vaanodu mudivum illai, vaazhvodu vidaiyum illai, inrenbathu unmaiyae, nambikkai ungal kaiyilae' probably makes my day whenever I replay this song in my head. The lines are very well written, meant more as appreciation of an relationship than as a motivating song.
Tholvi nilayena - Oomai Vizhigal
Truly bad acting is defined in this song(Thankfully, Arun pandian failed as an actor in tamil movies. Else, it would have been terrible for movie fans). The lines are pitch perfect for motivation(the song starts slow and increases in tempo at the end) as it deals mainly with self-respect, growing out of fear and holding onto one's principles.
Ethir neechal - Ethir neechal
The song plays during the titles of the movie. The lines are good, as could be expected from that era tamil movies. It is pretty straightforward in terms of putting in effort against status quo.
