Essa Passou

Chico Buarque's song 'Essa Passou' delves into the complexities and cyclical nature of love and heartbreak. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship where both parties are entangled in a dance of blame, forgiveness, and unfulfilled desires. The narrator reflects on the emotional journey, acknowledging his own shortcomings and the relentless demands of his partner. The repetition of phrases like 'Foi ela que' (It was she who) and 'Sou eu que' (It is I who) underscores the mutual responsibility and the intertwined fates of the lovers.

The song employs rich metaphors to convey the depth of the narrator's emotions. Walking 'sete léguas de amor' (seven leagues of love) and crying 'sete litros de mar' (seven liters of the sea) evoke a sense of immense effort and overwhelming sorrow. These exaggerated measures highlight the narrator's dedication and the vast emotional toll the relationship has taken on him. The use of the number seven, often associated with completeness and perfection, adds a layer of irony, suggesting that despite his exhaustive efforts, the relationship remains unfulfilled and imperfect.

Culturally, 'Essa Passou' resonates with the themes of saudade and the bittersweet nature of love, which are prevalent in Brazilian music and literature. Chico Buarque, known for his poetic and socially conscious lyrics, captures the essence of a love that is both beautiful and destructive. The song's conclusion, where the narrator resigns to the possibility of another taking his place, reflects a resigned acceptance of the transient nature of love. Yet, the lingering hope that he would still run 'sete léguas de dor' (seven leagues of pain) if she calls, underscores the enduring and often irrational nature of love.