A Rosa (feat. Chico Buarque)

Djavan's song 'A Rosa,' featuring Chico Buarque, is a poetic exploration of a tumultuous and enigmatic love affair. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship filled with contradictions, where the beloved is both a guiding star and a thorn in the singer's side. The song's narrative oscillates between moments of affection and frustration, capturing the complexity of love that is both captivating and elusive.

The beloved, referred to as 'Rosa,' is depicted as a multifaceted character who disrupts the singer's life plans. She is described as a 'star' and a 'saint,' yet she also 'forgets' the singer in the dark of night, embodying the duality of being both a muse and a source of pain. The lyrics are rich with metaphors, comparing Rosa to various figures and objects, such as an 'Egyptian' who turns away, a 'geisha' who is both loving and deceitful, and a 'sphinx' that devours the singer's essence. These metaphors highlight the unpredictable and often contradictory nature of Rosa's love.

Cultural references are woven throughout the song, adding layers of meaning. Rosa's affinity for the Portela samba school and her attire in green and pink evoke images of Brazilian carnival, a time of celebration and excess. The mention of her bringing things from the North and her culinary skills further ground the song in Brazilian culture, emphasizing the everyday aspects of their relationship. Despite the chaos and heartbreak, there is a sense of enduring affection, as the singer repeatedly asks Rosa to promise that she will return home one day.

'A Rosa' is a masterful blend of lyrical poetry and cultural richness, capturing the essence of a love that is as beautiful as it is bewildering. The song's intricate metaphors and cultural references create a tapestry of emotions, reflecting the highs and lows of a passionate yet unstable relationship.