Medo de Amar
Vinicius de Moraes
The Fear of Loving: A Journey Through Jealousy and Liberation
Vinicius de Moraes' song 'Medo de Amar' delves into the complexities of love, jealousy, and self-discovery. The lyrics begin with a plea to turn the page and forget the past, suggesting a relationship that has ended or is in the process of ending. The speaker urges their partner to pretend that love has ceased, highlighting the pain and difficulty of moving on. This opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the emotional turmoil caused by jealousy and the fear of loving fully.
The song's core message revolves around the destructive nature of jealousy, described as a 'mal de raiz' or a deeply rooted evil. Vinicius de Moraes suggests that this fear of love and the accompanying jealousy prevent true happiness. The lyrics imply that the partner did not understand this fundamental truth, leading to the relationship's downfall. The metaphor of jealousy as a deeply rooted evil emphasizes its pervasive and damaging impact on love and relationships.
In the final verses, the speaker encourages their partner to live their life as they wish but warns them not to be surprised if another woman emerges from the speaker, like a flower blooming in the desert. This imagery of rebirth and transformation signifies hope and the possibility of finding someone who understands that jealousy is an inherent part of love. The song concludes with the idea that jealousy, when acknowledged and understood, can be seen as the 'perfume of love,' adding a nuanced layer to the emotional landscape of relationships. Vinicius de Moraes masterfully captures the bittersweet nature of love, where pain and beauty coexist, and personal growth arises from emotional challenges.