Retrato Em Branco e Preto

Chico Buarque's song 'Retrato Em Branco e Preto' delves deep into the melancholic and cyclical nature of unrequited love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is painfully aware of the futility of their romantic pursuit. The opening lines, 'Já conheço os passos dessa estrada / Sei que não vai dar em nada,' suggest a familiarity with the path of love that leads nowhere, highlighting a sense of resignation and inevitability. This road is not just a physical path but a metaphor for the emotional journey the singer repeatedly undertakes, despite knowing the outcome will be the same.

The song is rich with metaphors and imagery, such as 'Eu trago o peito tão marcado / De lembranças do passado,' which translates to 'I carry my chest so marked / With memories of the past.' This line poignantly captures the emotional scars left by past experiences. The recurring theme of collecting 'retratos em branco e preto' (black and white portraits) symbolizes the singer's tendency to hold onto memories and moments that bring more pain than joy. These 'retratos' are not just photographs but representations of past sorrows and unfulfilled desires.

Chico Buarque's lyrical style often reflects the complexities of human emotions and relationships, and this song is no exception. The repeated attempts to avoid the enchantment of love, only to be drawn back into its spell, underscore the paradox of human emotions. The singer's acknowledgment of their own foolishness, 'Lá vou eu de novo como um tolo,' adds a layer of self-awareness and vulnerability. This cyclical pattern of seeking and suffering in love is a universal theme, making the song relatable to anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of unrequited love.