Cara De Cigana

Jose Malhoa's song "Cara De Cigana" is a poignant tale of unrequited love and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman with dark, flowing hair, dancing and captivating everyone around her. The protagonist is deeply in love with this woman, who is described as having a "gypsy face"—a metaphor for her free-spirited and enigmatic nature. Despite her being physically close to others, the protagonist believes that her true affection is directed towards him, as indicated by the line, "But it was for me, for whom you looked."

The song delves into the pain of seeing the object of one's affection with someone else. The protagonist is tormented by the sight of another man embracing and kissing her, yet he clings to the hope that her heart belongs to him. This emotional turmoil is further emphasized by the recurring imagery of wine, which symbolizes both the attempt to drown his sorrows and the deepening of his emotional wounds. The line, "And the wine I drink opens my wound," encapsulates this duality perfectly.

The gypsy woman is portrayed as a wanderer, living a life of passion and fleeting romances. The protagonist's desperation is palpable as he searches for her everywhere, calling out in vain. The repeated questioning, "Where are you, my gypsy?" underscores his sense of loss and yearning. The song captures the essence of a love that is both intoxicating and painful, a love that is always just out of reach, leaving the protagonist in a state of perpetual longing.