He was introduced to the Tamil film industry by his friend and poet Puratchidasan.
He started life as a lyricist with the song Ambalaikku Pombalai Avasiyandhaan for the film Yanai Paagan sung by A. L. Raghavan and L. R.
[2] Many of his songs were written in praise of Hindu Gods like Kanda Un Vasalile (sung by T. M. Soundararajan in Kongunattu Thangam), Avani Ellaam Pukazh Manakkum Amman Arul (Kaanchi Thalaivan), Arulvaaye Nee Arulvaaye (sung by Balamurali Krishna in Sadhu Mirandal) etc.
Andavan Ulagathin Mudhalaali is a song that became popular as it was picturised by M. G. Ramachandran in the film Thozhilali.
[4] Alangudi Somu wrote about 170 songs in 80 films in a period spanning over 35 years since 1960.