A Cruz e a Espada (feat. Renato Russo)

Paulo Ricardo's song 'A Cruz e a Espada,' featuring Renato Russo, delves into the themes of lost innocence, unfulfilled desires, and the passage of time. The lyrics reflect a journey from a simpler, more innocent time to a more complex and disillusioned present. The song begins with a nostalgic reflection on a past where the singer experienced a 'childlike' feeling, marked by fear and shyness. This period is described as one that the listener, or perhaps a specific person, never witnessed, indicating a hidden, vulnerable side of the singer.

As the song progresses, the singer recounts a pivotal moment symbolized by a kiss, which he now realizes marked both an end and a beginning. This kiss represents the end of his innocence and the start of a quest for something new, a search for fulfillment that remains elusive. The repetition of the phrase 'my desire was lost from me' underscores a sense of longing and the feeling that something essential has slipped away. The singer's frantic search for a 'new place' and 'someone nice to stay with' highlights his ongoing struggle to find meaning and connection in a world that has changed.

The final verses reveal a sense of resignation and disillusionment. The singer wakes up next to someone he doesn't know, symbolizing the loss of genuine connection and the superficiality of his current relationships. The reference to 'another adulterated child' suggests that the passage of time and life's experiences have tainted the innocence of both the singer and those around him. The recurring realization that the kiss was both an end and a beginning emphasizes the cyclical nature of his desires and disappointments. Through its poignant lyrics, 'A Cruz e a Espada' captures the bittersweet essence of growing up and the perpetual search for lost innocence and unfulfilled dreams.