"Rosa Tirana" - Portuguese Folk song (PT LYRICS + Translation ENG)

Описание: Origin: Minho & Alto (Upper) Douro Region, Portugal
Artist: Raizes
Album: ‘Diabo Do Belho!...’ (1985)

«Rosa Tirana» is a traditional Portuguese folk song whose origin is somewhat complex due to its regional variants. However, it is mainly associated with the north of Portugal, with references in the Minho and Alto Douro regions. Recognised for its melancholy and sadness, ‘Rosa Tirana’ has been interpreted by various Portuguese artists over time, and is particularly popular amongst fado singers such as Amália Rodrigues and António Mourão. Although it is a different lyrical version to this one, in the liner notes to the record ‘Amália... Canta Portugal', it is explained that the song belongs to the Douro Popular Songbook, having originally been collected in Leça da Palmeira in 1887.

The narrative usually involves a narrator who reveals his love for a woman called Rosa Tirana (literally, Tyrant Rose), who, in turn, doesn't reciprocate his feelings or who is inaccessible to him for some other reason. Neverthless, the essence of the story - unrequited love and the pain associated with it - is a common theme in many interpretations of the song. In this particular version, the narrator expresses his pain and frustration, by calling Rosa a ‘tyrant’ due to her rejection. He wants to be close to her and is willing to go where she is. However, Rosa replies by saying that she is satisfied with her freedom and sees no reason to change her situation or respond to the narrator's love. The word ‘tyrant’ is then used to emphasise the lyricist's emotional suffering, suggesting that Rosa's rejection and indifference are particularly painful for him.

Song Source:    • RAIZES- Rosa Tirana  

Artwork: «Clara (or 'wringing clothes')», by José Malhoa (1903)