Paradox

Zé Delgado's song "Paradox" is a profound exploration of life's inherent contradictions and the unpredictable nature of existence. The lyrics, primarily in Cape Verdean Creole, emphasize the idea that life should not be taken too seriously, as it is filled with paradoxes that defy logic. The repetition of phrases like "El é paradóks" and "Vida ka tene lójika" highlights the central theme that life is a series of contradictions, where joy and sorrow, activity and rest, birth and death coexist in a continuous cycle.

The song delves into the duality of human experience, where every action has an opposite reaction. Delgado poetically illustrates this by juxtaposing moments of laughter with tears, movement with stillness, and waking with sleeping. This cyclical nature of life is further emphasized by the refrain "Tude ta pará," suggesting that everything eventually comes to a halt, reinforcing the transient and unpredictable nature of our existence.

In the latter part of the song, Delgado shifts focus to the internal world, expressing the depth of emotions and creativity within. He speaks of music as an integral part of his being, a "rei sen koroa" (king without a crown) and "ás sen kartas" (ace without cards), symbolizing its power and influence despite its intangible nature. Music, with its harmony and melody, becomes a metaphor for the paradoxical beauty of life, offering solace and expression amidst the chaos. Through "Paradox," Zé Delgado invites listeners to embrace life's contradictions and find meaning in the music that resides within us all.