Retrato

Louro Santos' song 'Retrato' is a poignant exploration of love, longing, and the deep emotional impact of separation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is deeply in love and struggling with the absence of their beloved. The song opens with the protagonist crying in their room, staring at a beautiful portrait of their loved one on the wall. This image sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting the intense feelings of saudade—a Portuguese word that encapsulates a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound longing for something or someone that one loves and is absent.

The lyrics continue to delve into the protagonist's daily life, where they try to mask their pain but find it impossible to escape the overwhelming sense of loss. The mention of coming home from work, taking a bath, and going out at night to search for their loved one illustrates a routine that is haunted by the absence of the person they cherish. The promise of eternal love and the declaration of having made a decision to be happy with their beloved underscores the depth of their commitment and the hope that fuels their search.

The chorus reinforces the central theme of the song: an all-consuming passion and an inability to even contemplate loneliness. The repetition of phrases like 'I only think of you' and 'I only know how to love you' emphasizes the singular focus of the protagonist's emotions. This song captures the essence of a love that is so powerful it becomes the central axis around which the protagonist's world revolves, making 'Retrato' a touching ode to enduring love and the pain of separation.