Ki Vida

Beto Dias' song 'Kivida' delves deep into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love. Sung in Cape Verdean Creole, the lyrics express a profound sense of longing and heartache. The repeated phrase 'Abo, bu sabe de nhas sentimento' translates to 'You, you know my feelings,' highlighting the singer's frustration and desperation for the object of his affection to understand the depth of his emotions. The song is a plea for reciprocation, as he yearns for the love that he feels is not being returned.

The lyrics also explore the theme of time and decision-making. Beto Dias sings about giving space and time for the other person to think and make a decision about their relationship. This is evident in lines like 'Que pan dabu espaço pam dabu tempu, Pa bu pensa,' which means 'To give you space, to give you time, for you to think.' The singer is willing to wait, but he also expresses the pain of uncertainty and the hope that the other person will eventually choose to be with him. This patience is contrasted with the fear of being led on or deceived, as he prefers honesty over false hope.

The chorus, 'Ki vida bela nu podi tinha si bu ta amaba mi,' translates to 'What a beautiful life we could have if you loved me.' This line encapsulates the essence of the song—a vision of a perfect life filled with happiness and love, which remains just out of reach. The repetition of 'si bu ta amaba mi' ('if you loved me') underscores the conditional nature of this dream, making the listener acutely aware of the singer's unfulfilled desires. The song concludes with a mix of hope and resignation, as Beto Dias imagines a future where the pain might pass, but the longing for a beautiful life with his love remains.