Essa Pequena

Chico Buarque's song 'Essa Pequena' is a poetic exploration of a relationship marked by contrasts and a deep, albeit complex, affection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two individuals who are seemingly mismatched in terms of their life rhythms and perspectives. The narrator describes himself as someone whose time is limited and whose hair has turned gray, while his partner has an abundance of time and vibrant, pumpkin-colored hair. This juxtaposition highlights the differences in their stages of life and possibly their outlooks on life itself.

The song delves into the daily dynamics of their relationship, where the narrator's days fly by while his partner remains in a more leisurely, almost dreamlike state. He goes about his daily routines, while she has grander, more whimsical desires, such as wanting to go to Florida. Despite not always understanding her completely, he finds joy in simply observing her, indicating a deep sense of admiration and love. This sentiment is beautifully captured in the line, 'Não canso de contemplá-la,' which translates to 'I never tire of contemplating her.'

Buarque uses metaphors and vivid imagery to convey the narrator's feelings of both contentment and concern. He likens himself to a miser counting his minutes, emphasizing the preciousness of time in his life. Meanwhile, his partner seems to squander her hours, living in a different world. Despite the challenges and the potential for future heartache, the narrator finds the relationship worthwhile, as expressed in the line, 'O blues já valeu a pena,' meaning 'The blues was already worth it.' This line suggests that the emotional highs and lows of their relationship are valuable experiences in themselves.

'Essa Pequena' is a testament to the beauty and complexity of love, especially when it involves two people who are different yet deeply connected. It speaks to the idea that love can transcend practicalities and differences, finding its worth in the moments of joy and contemplation shared between partners.