Lábios Que Beijei
Caetano Veloso
The Eternal Lament of Lost Love in 'Lábios Que Beijei'
Caetano Veloso's song 'Lábios Que Beijei' is a poignant exploration of lost love and the enduring pain that follows. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a romantic night under the moonlight, where the protagonist reminisces about the lips he kissed and the hands he caressed. The imagery of the sea roaring in solitude and the wind sobbing adds to the melancholic atmosphere, emphasizing the depth of his sorrow. This setting serves as a backdrop for the emotional turmoil that ensues when his beloved leaves him for another, leaving him in a state of perpetual grief.
The song delves into the theme of unrequited love and the agony of abandonment. The protagonist's plea for sincerity from his beloved goes unheard, and he is left to mourn alone. His sorrow is so profound that he describes himself as a 'perennial statue of pain,' a powerful metaphor that conveys the permanence of his suffering. The use of the word 'perennial' suggests that his pain is unending, much like a statue that stands the test of time. This metaphor is further reinforced by his solitary days spent lamenting with his guitar, a symbol of his unending grief and the only companion in his solitude.
Caetano Veloso, known for his poetic and emotive songwriting, captures the essence of heartache and longing in 'Lábios Que Beijei.' The song is a testament to the enduring nature of love and the pain that often accompanies it. The protagonist's plea to God for compassion highlights his desperation and the depth of his despair. Despite the passage of time, the image of his beloved remains 'immaculate' in his weary eyes, underscoring the lasting impact of lost love. The song's closing lines, where he begs for his beloved to return and alleviate his pain, encapsulate the universal longing for reconciliation and the hope that love, once lost, can be found again.