Maria Rita Cara Bonita
Amália Rodrigues Lyrics

The song Maria Rita Cara Bonita by Amália Rodrigues tells the story of a hunting trip where the singer encounters a beautiful woman named Maria Rita. As they wander through the fields and come across a rabbit, the singer raises their foot to kill it. Maria Rita, dressed in hunting clothes, arrives on the scene and the singer, wanting to impress her, takes aim and shoots the layed rabbit. However, it soon becomes apparent that the rabbit wasn't theirs to shoot as it had already been injured. Feeling guilty, the singer decides to leave it. As they continue their hunt, the singer shoots a dove but misses and the bird flies away. However, it becomes trapped in a rosebush and is unable to escape, ultimately leading to its demise.

On the surface, it appears that the song is simply about a hunting trip and a man's attempt to impress a woman. However, the lyrics also hint at the consequences of actions and the guilt that comes with such actions. The singer's decision to leave the injured rabbit reveals a sense of responsibility, even in the midst of a hunting trip. The symbolism of the dove becoming trapped in a rosebush also showcases the delicate nature of life and the importance of actions and their consequences.

Overall, Maria Rita Cara Bonita is a poetic and introspective song that showcases Amália Rodrigues's unique ability to tell a story through song.