Jeevan se lambe hain, bandhu

Jeevan se lambe hain, bandhu,
Jeevan se lambe hain, bandhu, yeh jeevan ke raste
Yeh jeevan ke raste
Ek pal tham ke rona hoga, ek pal chalna hanske
Yeh jeevan ke raste, yeh jeevan ke raste
Jeevan se lambe hain, bandhu

Raahon se raahi ka rishta kitne janam puraana
Ek ko chalte jaana aage, ek ko peechhe aana
Modh pe mat ruk jaana, bandhu, do raahon mein phaske
Yeh jeevan ke raste, yeh jeevan ke raste
Jeevan se lambe hain, bandhu

Din aur raat ke haathon naapi, naapi ek umariya
Saans ki dori chhoti pad gayi, lambi aas dagariya
Bhor ke manzilwaale uthhkar bhor se pehle chalte
Yeh jeevan ke raste, yeh jeevan ke raste
Jeevan se lambe hain, bandhu

Movie: Aashirwad (1968)
Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Singer: Manna Dey
Lyricist: Gulzar
Music Composer: Vasant Desai

The song that Ashok Kumar sang for Aashirwad (Rail gaadi) is probably more famous than this number. In fact, that song was apparently the first rap number in Indian movies. However, this one obviously suits our theme better, with its thoughts on life. The lyrics are by Gulzar and he is a perennial favourite, of course. I mean, just look at this ‘Din aur raat ke haathon naapi ek umariya Saans ki dori chhoti pad gayi, lambi aas dagariya’. There’s something about everything in here —mortality, hope, life, living. And Manna Dey’s vocals make it even more beautiful! ~ R