«لُولَا حَالَكْ يَا مْغَنِّي مَا سَأَلْتْ عَنِّي»

The speaker accuses the listener of showing interest only out of need. The listener stayed away until their own circumstances required help, and only then came asking after the speaker. It exposes a friendship or concern that rests on usefulness rather than genuine affection.

The saying is aimed at the opportunist who remembers others only when want arrives. The singer is simply the figure addressed; the wording gives no reason for this choice. In the Arabic, the closing words mghannī ('singer') and ʿannī ('about me') rhyme, giving the rebuke a neat ring.

Say it to someone who has been absent and suddenly gets in touch, calls, or visits once they want a favor. The tone is reproachful: it implies the person is self-serving. It can be said teasingly between friends or as a sharper rebuke.