P. Susheela’s ‘Oho Anathaiyai’ from the album ‘Mathar Kula Manickam’ blends sorrowful vocals with S. Rajeswara Rao’s melancholy composition. Lyricist A. Maruthakasi crafts a desperate tone through the perspective of a woman abandoned by fate.
Oho Anathaiyai
P. Susheela • From “Mathar Kula Manickam”
What is the meaning of Oho Anathaiyai Lyrics from Mathar Kula Manickam?
The woman recalls being cherished like a ‘magara veenai’ in a king’s hands. Her despair peaks when questioning life’s purpose after her beloved marries another. Maruthakasi uses direct contrasts between past joy and present anguish.
Ohoo Anadhaiyae PaaraaiOh, look at this orphan now.
Un VaazhvaiyaeLook at your life.
Inba Kadalil NeendhiyadhaeIt once swam in a sea of joy,
Thunbha Puyalum Soozhndhadhaebut now a storm of sorrow surrounds it.
Maharajan KaramadhilaeIn the hands of a great king,
Magara Veenai Polavaeyou were like a ‘magara veenai’ ‘fish-shaped lute’.
Manadhilae Madhura GeedhamaagavaeYou were a sweet song in his mind,
Malar Vizhiyilae Aadum Jodhiyaaghavaeand a dancing light in his flower-like eyes.
Vanidhai Nee ThigazhndhaaiyaeYou shone as his beloved lady.
Unakkae ImmudivaaghumooIs this really how it ends for you?
Muraiyoo MuraiyooIs this fair? Is this justice?
Anbae Jodiyaai Andril PolavaeWe were like a pair of ‘andril’ ‘soulmate birds’, my love.
Ondraagha Irundhu Naam MagizhndhomaeWe stayed together and were so happy.
Manam VaadudhaeMy heart is withering away.
Unnaiyum Veru Maadhu Manandhidum BodhuWhen another woman marries you,
Uyir Vaazhndhae Palan Yedhuwhat’s the point of me even living?
Vidhiyin Vilaivae IdhudhaanooIs this just the consequence of fate?
Ohoo AnadhaiyaeOh, you poor orphan.
Muraiyoo Hoo Muraiyoo HooIs this fair? Oh, is this justice?
Oho Anathaiyai Music Video
P. Susheela’s emotional delivery makes the ‘Oho Anathaiyai’ lyrics translation essential for understanding Tamil songs about fate and loss. The track remains a classic study of vocal expression in Indian cinema.