Amor Covarde

Alceu Valença's song 'Amor Covarde' delves deep into the complexities and pains of a love that is both cowardly and consuming. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that bites and burns, leaving the singer in a state of perpetual agony. The repeated use of the word 'dor' (pain) emphasizes the emotional and physical torment that this love inflicts. The imagery of a 'capela magra' (thin chapel) and 'metade de mim' (half of me) suggests a sense of incompleteness and longing, as if the singer is only half alive without the fulfillment of this love.

The song also contrasts the beauty and allure of the beloved with the pain they cause. Descriptions like 'moça bonita' (pretty girl), 'novilha tão rara' (rare heifer), and 'boca cereja' (cherry mouth) highlight the irresistible charm of the beloved. However, this charm is juxtaposed with the 'navalhada que arde' (burning slash) of love's pain, creating a dichotomy between desire and suffering. The use of natural and celestial imagery, such as 'estrela d'alva' (morning star) and 'pedaço de Lua' (piece of the moon), adds a layer of ethereal beauty to the song, making the pain of love seem almost otherworldly.

Valença's repetition of the phrase 'nascemos sós, só seremos serenos no fim' (we are born alone, we will only be serene in the end) underscores a profound existential reflection. It suggests that despite the intense connections we form, we ultimately face our struggles and resolutions alone. This line adds a philosophical depth to the song, making it not just about the pain of love, but also about the human condition and the search for peace and completeness.