Tempo Ao Tempo
Di Paullo e Paulino
The Heart's Plea for Time and Strength
“Tempo Ao Tempo” by Di Paullo e Paulino is a poignant ballad that delves into the depths of longing and heartache. The song's lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, painting a picture of a soul in turmoil. The opening lines, “Soluços profundos / Revelam a minha alma,” suggest deep sobs that reveal the singer's inner anguish. The use of birds, such as the nightingale and the hummingbird, symbolizes beauty and fleeting moments of happiness, which are now out of reach. These birds represent the beloved, whose absence causes the singer profound sorrow.
The chorus, “Deus este amor é a minha vida / Eu pedi tempo ao tempo / Pra sozinho caminhar,” is a heartfelt plea to God, expressing that this love is the singer's life. The request for time to walk alone indicates a desire for healing and self-discovery. However, the repeated acknowledgment of feeling like nothing without this love underscores the depth of the emotional dependency. The singer is torn between wanting the return of this love and seeking the strength to endure the pain.
The song's recurring theme of asking God for either the return of the beloved or the fortitude to become “um homem de rocha” (a man of stone) highlights the struggle between vulnerability and resilience. This duality reflects a universal human experience: the battle between holding on to love and learning to let go. Di Paullo e Paulino's heartfelt delivery and the song's melancholic melody amplify the emotional weight of the lyrics, making “Tempo Ao Tempo” a touching exploration of love, loss, and the quest for inner strength.