Dez Anos
Emilinha Borba
A Decade of Longing: Emilinha Borba's 'Dez Anos'
Emilinha Borba's song 'Dez Anos' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the enduring pain of lost love. The lyrics recount a decade spent without seeing the face, eyes, or lips of a former lover, highlighting the deep emotional impact of this separation. The song's melancholic tone is underscored by the repeated references to the sorrow and longing that have plagued the narrator's soul since the end of this significant relationship. The phrase 'Foste meu primeiro amor' (You were my first love) emphasizes the irreplaceable nature of this lost connection, suggesting that the memories of this first love continue to haunt the narrator even after many years.
The song also vividly recalls a specific moment shared by the lovers, painting a picture of a joyful afternoon by a fountain. This memory is described with a sense of nostalgia and bittersweetness, as the narrator remembers the happiness they once felt together. The imagery of the night spreading its mantle and the fountain's song enveloping them adds a layer of romanticism and dreaminess to the memory. This idyllic scene contrasts sharply with the present reality of separation and longing, making the past seem even more precious and unattainable.
In the final lines, the song takes on a more intimate and personal tone, as the narrator recalls falling asleep and hearing their lover's voice murmuring tender words. The plea 'Abraça-me, por favor, minha vida' (Hold me, please, my life) captures the deep emotional connection and the sense of loss that still lingers. The mention of 'o resto deste romance só sabe Deus' (the rest of this romance only God knows) adds a sense of mystery and unresolved feelings, suggesting that the full story of their love and separation is known only to a higher power. This ending leaves the listener with a sense of longing and unanswered questions, mirroring the narrator's own unresolved emotions.