Laranja Madura

Ataulfo Alves' song 'Laranja Madura' is a cautionary tale wrapped in a catchy melody. The lyrics revolve around the idea of skepticism towards offers that seem too generous or perfect. The repeated line 'Laranja madura na beira da estrada, tá bichada, Zé, ou tem marimbondo no pé' translates to 'Ripe orange by the roadside, it's rotten, Zé, or there's a wasp on the tree.' This metaphor suggests that something that appears appealing and easy to obtain might be hiding significant flaws or dangers.

The song opens with the narrator being offered a life of comfort and luxury, including a house, food, and money to spend. However, instead of being thrilled, the narrator is suspicious, asking, 'O que é que há?' or 'What’s going on?' This skepticism is further emphasized by the line 'Tanta bondade que me faz desconfiar,' meaning 'So much kindness makes me suspicious.' The narrator's wariness is a reflection of the wisdom that not all that glitters is gold.

Ataulfo Alves uses the imagery of a ripe orange by the roadside to drive home the point that easy opportunities often come with hidden pitfalls. The song also touches on the idea that even saints become suspicious when they receive too many alms, indicating that excessive generosity can be a red flag. The confusion between 'Maria Rosa' and 'Rosa Maria' adds another layer, suggesting that appearances can be deceiving and that one must look beyond the surface to understand the true nature of things.

'Laranja Madura' serves as a timeless reminder to approach seemingly perfect offers with caution and to be aware of the potential hidden dangers. The song's message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released, making it a classic piece of Brazilian music that continues to resonate with listeners.