A Carta

Erasmo Carlos's song "A Carta" is a poignant exploration of longing, unrequited love, and the passage of time. The lyrics are written as a letter to a past lover, filled with raw emotion and a sense of nostalgia. The narrator begins by acknowledging the imperfections in his writing, driven by a sudden wave of saudade—a deep, melancholic longing for someone or something that is absent. This sets the tone for the entire song, as he pours out his heart, hoping for forgiveness for any mistakes in his letter, which he views as a testament to his enduring affection.

The narrator expresses a deep sense of loss and yearning, admitting that he has been unable to love anyone else since their separation. He reminisces about the time they spent together, describing it as a "life in pink"—a metaphor for the idealized, dream-like state of happiness he once experienced. This vivid imagery contrasts sharply with his current state of loneliness, emphasizing the depth of his sorrow. The passage of time is keenly felt, as he notes that it has been a year since he last saw or loved the person he is writing to.

In the latter part of the song, the narrator reflects on his initial infatuation, realizing that he may have misinterpreted the other person's enthusiasm as genuine love. Despite this, he signs off the letter with a declaration of his unwavering devotion, "Do sempre, sempre teu"—"Forever, always yours." This closing line encapsulates the essence of the song: a heartfelt confession of enduring love and the pain of unreciprocated feelings. The repetition of the phrase "Meu Amor" at the end of the song reinforces the depth of his emotions, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of melancholy and empathy for the narrator's plight.