Ligia
Chico Buarque
The Unattainable Muse: A Journey Through Unfulfilled Love in 'Ligia'
Chico Buarque's song 'Ligia' is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled love and the complexities of human emotions. The lyrics paint a picture of a narrator who is deeply conflicted about his feelings for Ligia. He starts by listing all the things he supposedly doesn't like, such as going to the cinema, samba, and even the sun and rain. This initial denial sets the tone for the rest of the song, suggesting that the narrator is trying to convince himself that he is indifferent to Ligia.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the narrator's indifference is a facade. He admits to calling Ligia by mistake and forgetting her name, which he left on the piano along with the 'nonsense of love' he intended to say. This moment reveals his vulnerability and the depth of his feelings, despite his attempts to hide them. The mention of creating a 'samba-canção' (a type of Brazilian song) from the 'lies of love' he learned from her further emphasizes the emotional turmoil he is experiencing.
The climax of the song occurs when the narrator acknowledges that he will eventually surrender to Ligia's embrace, despite his fears. Her 'serene arms' and 'brown eyes' evoke a sense of both comfort and terror, symbolizing the duality of love as both a source of solace and a cause of anxiety. The repeated refrain of 'Ligia, Ligia' serves as a haunting reminder of the narrator's unresolved feelings and the unattainable nature of his love for her. Through its evocative lyrics and melancholic tone, 'Ligia' captures the essence of longing and the bittersweet reality of unrequited love.