Cabelo Branco É Saudade

Alfredo Marceneiro's song 'Cabelo Branco É Saudade' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, love, and the bittersweet nature of memories. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life filled with fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre known for its expressive and melancholic character. The song opens with the imagery of lost nights and days spent reminiscing about the past, setting the tone for a journey through the emotions tied to aging and nostalgia.

The chorus, 'Rosto enrugado, é velhice / Cabelo branco é saudade,' translates to 'A wrinkled face is old age / White hair is longing.' This metaphorical expression suggests that while physical signs of aging are inevitable, the white hair symbolizes a deeper, emotional connection to the past. Marceneiro delves into the idea that love, whether excessive or insufficient, leaves its mark on us, contributing to the wrinkles and white hair that signify our life's experiences and regrets.

The song further explores the concept of 'saudade,' a unique Portuguese word that conveys a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one loves but is now lost. Marceneiro likens these feelings to 'pombas mansas' (gentle doves) that we shelter, representing the cherished memories of a lost youth. He also touches on the idea that the hardships and disappointments of life, rather than just the passage of time, are what truly age us. The closing lines advise against dwelling on the past once one reaches old age, as it is too late to change the course of one's life, emphasizing the importance of living in the present.

Marceneiro's 'Cabelo Branco É Saudade' is a masterful blend of poetic lyrics and emotional depth, capturing the essence of fado and the human experience of love, loss, and the inexorable march of time.