Flor de Tangerina

Alceu Valença's 'Flor de Tangerina' is a poetic and dreamlike song that delves into the themes of love, desire, and the beauty of a cherished partner. The lyrics describe the experience of dreaming about a lover who returns more beautiful than ever, awakening the singer with the delicate scent of tangerine flowers. This imagery suggests a sensual and intoxicating presence, one that is both alluring and comforting.

The repeated references to the lover's eyes as 'onça-menina,' which can be translated as 'jaguar-girl,' evoke a sense of wild beauty and mystery. The singer expresses a deep and passionate love, one that is so intense that he feels as though he is drowning in her 'crystal-clear waters.' This metaphor could represent the overwhelming emotions that love can provoke, as well as the purity and transparency of the feelings involved.

The song's structure, with its recurring dreams and the eventual waking to find the lover arriving, blurs the lines between dream and reality. This interplay highlights the surreal quality of intense love, where the beloved can take on an almost mythical status. Alceu Valença, known for his contributions to Brazilian music, particularly in the genres of MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) and forró, often incorporates regional elements and poetic lyrics into his work, creating a rich tapestry of sound and meaning that resonates with the emotional depth of his songs.