Desejo
Djavan
The Illusions and Realities of Desire in Djavan's 'Desejo'
Djavan's song 'Desejo' delves into the complex interplay between desire, illusion, and reality. The lyrics open with a poignant observation about how a life consumed by passion can become an illusion. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the artist explores the ephemeral nature of feelings and the often deceptive nature of our desires. The repetition of the phrase 'Tudo é ilusão' (Everything is an illusion) underscores the transient and sometimes misleading nature of human emotions and aspirations.
The song also touches on the theme of longing and the pain that comes with it. Djavan sings about feeling saudade, a Portuguese word that encapsulates a deep sense of longing or nostalgia. This feeling is so intense that it can 'prender uma vida pela respiração' (trap a life by its breath), suggesting that longing can be all-consuming and suffocating. The artist further explores the dissatisfaction that often accompanies desire, noting that 'nem tudo é o que se quer' (not everything is what one wants). This line highlights the inevitable gap between our desires and reality, a common human experience.
In the final verses, Djavan shifts from the abstract to the personal, singing about love that is 'plantado ao coração' (planted in the heart) and 'brota de um beijo' (sprouts from a kiss). Here, he suggests that while much of life may be an illusion, love and desire are deeply rooted in our being and can manifest in tangible, meaningful ways. The song concludes with the affirmation that this love is not an illusion but a genuine desire, encapsulating the complex emotions that define human relationships.