Modinha (part. Tom Jobim)

Elis Regina's song 'Modinha' is a poignant exploration of heartache and disillusionment. The lyrics convey a deep sense of sorrow and longing, as the singer's heart is described as being 'dilacerado' (torn apart) and 'escravizado a uma ilusão' (enslaved to an illusion). This illusion, which initially might have seemed like a source of hope or happiness, has ultimately led to nothing but disillusionment. The use of the word 'escravizado' suggests a feeling of entrapment, as if the singer is bound to this painful experience and unable to escape it.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative, particularly in the lines 'Como um luar desesperado / A derramar melancolia em mim' (Like a desperate moonlight / Pouring melancholy into me). This metaphor of the moonlight, often associated with beauty and tranquility, being 'desperate' and causing melancholy, underscores the depth of the singer's despair. The moonlight, which should be a source of calm, instead becomes a reminder of the singer's emotional turmoil, highlighting the contrast between expectation and reality.

In the final lines, the singer addresses the 'triste canção' (sad song) directly, asking it to leave their chest and spread emotion. This personification of the song as something that can carry and disseminate feelings suggests a cathartic release, as if by expressing this sorrow, the singer might find some relief. The repetition of 'coração' (heart) emphasizes the centrality of the heart in this emotional experience, making it clear that the pain is deeply personal and visceral. Elis Regina's powerful delivery and emotive voice add an additional layer of depth to the song, making 'Modinha' a timeless expression of heartache and the human condition.