Samurai (feat. Stevie Wonder)
Djavan
The Battle of Love and Surrender: Djavan's 'Samurai'
Djavan's 'Samurai' is a song that delves into the complexities of love and the emotional turmoil it can bring. The lyrics speak of a heart filled with desire and the pain that often accompanies deep affection. The repeated lines 'Ai, quanto querer / Cabe em meu coração' suggest a heart brimming with love, while 'Ai, me faz sofrer / Faz que me mata e se não mata, fere' conveys the suffering that can be a byproduct of such intense emotions. The love described in the song is powerful and uncontrollable, much like a force of nature that comes and goes as it pleases, leaving both joy and devastation in its wake.
The metaphor of becoming the 'serviçal de um samurai' (servant of a samurai) illustrates the idea of surrendering to love. The samurai, a figure known for power and discipline, represents the formidable force of love to which the singer has yielded. Despite the struggle against this force, the singer admits defeat and accepts his role as a servant to love's will. This surrender, however, is not entirely negative, as it is followed by the exclamation 'Mas eu tô tão feliz!' (But I'm so happy!), suggesting that there is joy in giving in to the emotions that love stirs.
The inclusion of Stevie Wonder in the song adds a layer of richness, as his musical style often includes themes of love and the human experience. Djavan, a Brazilian singer-songwriter known for his unique blend of samba, jazz, funk, and traditional Brazilian music, creates a soundscape that complements the lyrical content, weaving a narrative of love's dual nature as both a source of happiness and pain. The song's title, 'Samurai,' and its lyrics together paint a picture of love as a battle, one where the heart is both the battlefield and the prize.