A. M. Raja performs ‘Malare Oh Malare’ from the album Veettu Mappillai. Lyricist Kannadasan and composer Raja craft a reflective exchange about protective bonds. The singer questions his role as guardian versus lover.
Malare Oh Malare
A. M. Raja • From “Veettu Mappillai”
Malare Oh Malare Lyrics Translation (from “Veettu Mappillai”)
Kannadasan references Krishna protecting Draupadi’s honor without romantic intent. Raja compares the marital garland to a shield, stating ‘I gave the garland only to protect your honor.’ The distinction between duty and desire remains sharp.
Malarae Oo MalaraeOh flower, my flower.
Nee En MalarallaYou aren’t the flower meant for me.
Malarae Oo MalaraeOh flower, my flower.
Nee En MalarallaYou aren’t the flower meant for me.
Naanum VandallaAnd I’m not the bee hovering for you.
Un Maanam Kaaval KondaenI only stood guard to protect your honor.
Endru Kadhal KondaenWhen did I ever fall in love with you?
Endru Kadhal KondaenTell me, when did I ever fall in love?
Malarae Oo MalaraeOh flower, my flower.
Nee En MalarallaYou aren’t the flower meant for me.
Draupathi Maanam KaaththaanaeHe saved Draupadi’s dignity.
Antha Kannan Avalathu KadhalanaaBut was Lord Krishna her lover?
Draupathi Maanam KaaththaanaeHe saved Draupadi’s dignity.
Antha Kannan Avalathu KadhalanaaBut was Lord Krishna her lover?
Thediya Neraththil VanthaenaeI came right when you needed help.
Naan Kaavalanaa Illai KadhalanaaAm I your guardian, or am I a lover?
Naan Kaavalanaa Illai KadhalanaaTell me, am I a guardian or a lover?
Malarae Oo MalaraeOh flower, my flower.
Nee En MalarallaYou aren’t the flower meant for me.
Kadamai Kattiya ThaliyammaaThis sacred ‘Thali’ thread was tied only for duty, dear.
Un Kanneer Thavirththa VeliyammaaIt’s just a fence to keep your tears away.
Urimai Kondaada NinaithaenaaDid I ever think of claiming a husband’s rights?
Un Uravil Aasai ValarththaenaaDid I ever nurture desire in this bond?
Manjal Thanthathu Manam KaakkaTurmeric was given to protect your heart.
Naan Maalai Thanthathu Un Maanam KakkaI gave the garland only to protect your honor.
Kungumam Thanthathu Kulam KaakkaVermilion was given to save the family name.
Indru Kumbittu Nirpathu Unai KaakkaToday, I stand in prayer only to protect you.
Indru Kumbittu Nirpathu Unai KaakkaI’m bowing before God just to keep you safe.
Malarae Oo MalaraeOh flower, my flower.
Nee En MalarallaYou aren’t the flower meant for me.
Naanum VandallaAnd I’m not the bee hovering for you.
Un Maanam Kaaval KondaenI only stood guard to protect your honor.
Endru Kadhal KondaenWhen did I ever fall in love with you?
Endru Kadhal KondaenTell me, when did I ever fall in love?
Malarae Oo MalaraeOh flower, my flower.
Nee En MalarallaYou aren’t the flower meant for me.
Malare Oh Malare Music Video
A protective vow supersedes romantic claims in this Tamil song. Understanding Malare Oh Malare lyrics meaning clarifies Raja’s deliberate separation of honor from possession.