Onni

J. Karjalainen's song 'Onni' delves into the elusive nature of happiness and the often misguided pursuits people undertake to find it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone searching for happiness ('onni') in distant lands and through material possessions, only to find that true contentment remains out of reach. The opening lines describe a journey across seas and foreign lands in search of a fairy-tale-like dream, but despite these efforts, happiness remains undiscovered.

The refrain, 'Onni nukkuu vaan, vihreän veran alla,' metaphorically suggests that happiness is dormant, lying beneath a green cloth, possibly symbolizing the earth or nature. This imagery implies that happiness is not something that can be easily awakened or found through external means. The pursuit of luxury cars, houses, money, and awards is highlighted as futile in the quest for true happiness, as these material gains do not stir the dormant happiness.

In the latter part of the song, there is a sudden shift where happiness is personified as waking up and coming to the seeker. This unexpected arrival of happiness, once thought unattainable, suggests that true contentment may come when least expected and cannot be forced or bought. The final lines, 'Etkö huomaa onneton,' serve as a poignant reminder to the listener that the pursuit of happiness might be in vain if one does not recognize it when it finally appears. J. Karjalainen's 'Onni' thus serves as a reflective piece on the nature of happiness, urging listeners to reconsider where and how they seek fulfillment in their lives.