What 70 Bollywood Songs Teach Us About Life
As we get ready to launch the Bollywood and Beyond section of the LifeInTrinidad.org website, we’re excited to share that we’ve created web pages for 70 well-known and beloved Bollywood songs!
But here’s the cool part: when we looked at these songs more closely, we realized they’re not just catchy tunes or emotional ballads, they actually reflect the major themes of life that we all go through. Here’s how they break down:
Love – 28 songs
Longing – 15 songs
Heartbreak – 10 songs
Devotion – 9 songs
Celebration – 8 songs
Pie Chart of Song Breakdown
This blog post gives you a sample song from each category, so you can get a taste of what’s coming!
Love – 28 songs
Love is the most common theme, and that’s no surprise. Whether it’s your first crush, a deep relationship, or the butterflies of a new romance, love is something everyone experiences. It’s exciting, confusing, and powerful, and Bollywood captures it perfectly.
Among the many beautiful songs about love, Janam Janam by Arijit Singh and Antara Mitra from the 2015 movie Dilwale is an anthem that dwells on the timeless nature of love with lines like, “Be mine, forever, never say goodbye.”
Music Video of Janam Janam from Dilwale (2015)
| Arijit Singh Janam janam janam saath chalna yunhi Qasam tumhe qasam aake milna yahin Ek jaan hai bhale do badan hon juda Meri hoke humesha hi rehna Kabhi na kehna alvida | Arijit Singh Forever, forever, forever, walk by my side Promise me that you will come and meet me right here We are two bodies, but our hearts beat as one Be mine, forever Never say goodbye |
| Meri subha ho tumhi aur tumhi shaam ho Tum dard ho tum hi aaram ho Meri duaaon se aati hai bas yeh sadaa Meri hoke humesha hi rehna Kabhi na kehna alvida | You are my morning and you are my evening My heart aches for you and only you can allay the pain I have only one wish Be mine, forever Never say goodbye |
| Aa ha ha … aa ha ha … aa o o o | Aa ha ha … aa ha ha … aa o o o |
| Meri hoke humesha hi rehna Kabhi na kehna alvida… | Be mine, forever Never say goodbye…. |
| Antara Mitra Teri baahon mein hai mere dono jahan Tu rahe jidhar meri jannat wahin Jal rahi agan hai jo yeh do tarfa Na bujhe kabhi meri mannat yahi Tu meri aarzoo, main teri aashiqui Tu meri shayari, main teri mausiqui | Antara Mitra Both my worlds are there in the embrace of your arms Wherever you are, my heaven is right there This fire that is burning on both sides I pray that it will never get extinguished You are my desire, I am your love You are the words of my poems, I am your music |
| Arijit Singh Talab talab talab bas teri hai mujhe Nason mein tu nasha banke ghulna yunhi Meri mohabbat ka karna tu haq ye ada Meri hoke humesha hi rehna Kabhi na kehna alvida… | Arijit Singh The desire that is in me is only for you Keep flowing in my veins like an intoxication Fulfil the desire of my love Be mine, forever Never say goodbye…. |
| Meri subah ho tumhi aur tumhi shaam ho Tum dard ho, tum hi aaram ho Meri duaaon se aati hai bas yeh sadaa Meri hoke humesha hi rehna Kabhi na kehna alvida… | You are my morning and you are my evening My heart aches for you and only you can allay the pain I have only one wish Be mine, forever Never say goodbye |
| Aa aa aa … alvida … o o o Na na na … hey hey hey Na na na … na na na | Aa aa aa … goodbye … o o o Na na na … hey hey hey Na na na … na na na |
Longing – 15 songs
Longing is about missing someone or something. Maybe it’s a person who’s far away, a dream you’re chasing, or a time in your life you wish you could return to. These songs remind us that it’s okay to feel incomplete sometimes, that it’s part of being human.
In the 1967 movie Taqdeer, a father has gone far away seeking employment, and his family longs for his return. The song Saat Samundar Paar Se expresses their longing, and the children confess that while toys would be nice, what truly matters is having him back home.
Music Video of Saat Samundar Paar Se from Taqdeer (1967)
Heartbreak – 10 songs
Life isn’t always smooth. Heartbreak teaches us about pain, loss, and how to heal. These songs help us cry it out, understand our feelings, and eventually move on stronger than before.
In the song Tere Bina Zindagi Se from the 1975 movie Aandhi, the protagonists silently share their heartbreak and sorrow with each other. Separated by marital issues and political ambitions, the protagonists reunite years later, still in love but filled with regret. The line “But a life without you is hardly a life” captures their sorrow.
Music Video of Tere Bina Zindagi Se from Aandhi (1975)
Devotion – 9 songs
Devotion isn’t just about religion, it’s about deep dedication. It could be to a person, a cause, or a belief. These songs show us the beauty of loyalty, faith, and commitment, which are all important parts of maturing and finding purpose in life.
The song O Paalanhaare from the 2001 movie Lagaan is a devotional piece where in a moment of collective prayer, the villagers of Champaner cry out to God for victory in a cricket match that could free them from taxes for three years. The line “Ease our troubles, Lord” reflects their heartfelt plea.
Music Video of O Paalanhaare from Lagaan (2001)
Celebration – 8 songs
And of course, life has its joyful moments! Whether it’s a wedding, a festival, or just dancing with friends, celebration is about living in the moment. These songs remind us to enjoy life, no matter what else is going on.
The song Geet Gaata Chal O Saathi from the 1975 movie Geet Gaata Chal celebrates harmony with nature and the joy of living. With lines like “Keep on singing and humming, my friend … Let every moment pass happily,” it’s a reminder to embrace life’s beauty.
Music Video of Geet Gaata Chal O Saathi from Geet Gaata Chal (1975)
So, What’s the Big Picture?
These five themes of love, longing, heartbreak, devotion, and celebration are more than just song topics. They’re the emotional building blocks of life. That’s why Bollywood songs feel so real and relatable: they sing about what we all go through.
So, the next time you listen to a song, think about which theme it fits into. You might just learn something about yourself.
