Una Mujer

João Gilberto's song 'Una Mujer' delves into the essence of what it means to be a woman through the lens of love and passion. The lyrics suggest that a woman who does not engage with love is not truly living up to her potential. This idea is poetically expressed by comparing such a woman to a flower that does not spread its fragrance or a log that does not know how to burn. These metaphors highlight the importance of love and passion as intrinsic qualities that define womanhood in the song's context.

The song further explores the concept of passion as a 'magical language' that must be learned through kisses. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that love is not just an emotion but a skill or language that requires practice and experience. The lyrics suggest that a woman who does not know how to love is missing out on a fundamental aspect of her identity. This perspective aligns with traditional views of femininity, where emotional expression and romantic involvement are seen as essential traits.

Gilberto's portrayal of a woman is one who is dreamy, coquettish, and ardent. The song advocates for women to embrace love with 'frenzied ardor' to truly be considered a woman. This passionate and somewhat idealized view of womanhood reflects the cultural and social norms of the time, where a woman's worth was often measured by her ability to love and be loved. The song, therefore, serves as both a celebration and a prescription of what it means to be a woman, wrapped in the soothing and melodic style characteristic of João Gilberto's music.