Retrato Em Branco e Preto

The song 'Retrato Em Branco e Preto', composed by the legendary Brazilian musician Tom Jobim, is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the pain of longing. The lyrics speak of a familiar path of heartache, indicating that the speaker has experienced this kind of love before and knows the journey all too well. The reference to knowing the 'secrets by heart' and the 'stones on the path' suggests a weary familiarity with the cycle of falling for someone who does not return the affection.

The song's title, which translates to 'Portrait in Black and White', metaphorically represents the stark reality of the speaker's feelings, devoid of the color and joy that love is supposed to bring. The imagery of collecting sad, old facts in a photo album serves as a metaphor for holding onto painful memories. The act of writing verses and letters, despite knowing it's a sin, reflects the speaker's inability to let go of the past and the hopelessness of their unrequited love.

Tom Jobim's music often captures the essence of Brazilian melancholy, known as 'saudade', a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one cares for and which is lost. 'Retrato Em Branco e Preto' is a classic example of this sentiment, with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics that resonate with anyone who has ever loved in vain.