Uma Rosa e Um Espinho

In 'Uma Rosa e Um Espinho,' Jose Malhoa delves into the bittersweet experience of unrequited love. The song's title, which translates to 'A Rose and a Thorn,' sets the stage for a narrative filled with contrasting emotions. The rose symbolizes the affection and beauty the singer offers to his beloved, while the thorn represents the pain and suffering he endures in return. This duality is a central theme throughout the song, highlighting the imbalance in their relationship.

The lyrics poignantly express the singer's realization that his love is not reciprocated. He gives a rose to his beloved, a gesture of his deep affection, but receives only a thorn in return, symbolizing the emotional pain he suffers. The lines 'Porque eu odiei a minha vida / Mas tu me encontras partida' reveal his inner turmoil and the sense of betrayal he feels. He despises his life because of the unfulfilled love, and his beloved finds him broken, yet she never wanted him in that state.

Malhoa's lament continues as he reflects on the sorrow and regret of loving someone who does not return his feelings. The repetition of 'Quanto amor e quanta pena' underscores the depth of his emotional investment and the subsequent heartache. The singer's heart is deceived by his own desires, leading him to a painful realization that his love was in vain. The final lines, 'Uma vez mais um amor não tive sorte / Nunca nunca mais te vi,' encapsulate the despair of another failed romance and the finality of never seeing his beloved again. This song is a poignant exploration of the complexities and heartaches of unrequited love, beautifully conveyed through Malhoa's emotive lyrics and melancholic tone.