Amar Quem Eu Já Amei
Ivete Sangalo
The Fear of Returning: A Journey Through Love and Labor
Ivete Sangalo's song "Amar Quem Eu Já Amei" delves into the complexities of love, labor, and the fear of returning to past experiences. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has traveled far, both physically and emotionally, and is now grappling with the uncertainty of their journey. The recurring theme of fear—specifically, the fear of going back—highlights the internal struggle between moving forward and the haunting memories of the past.
The song uses agricultural metaphors to convey deeper meanings. Phrases like "Plantar, plantar porque homem sou" (Plant, plant because I am a man) and "Plantar, colher para quem não plantou" (Plant, harvest for those who did not plant) reflect the toil and labor that go into life and relationships. These lines suggest a sense of duty and responsibility, but also a feeling of exploitation and unreciprocated effort. The act of planting and harvesting becomes a metaphor for the emotional labor invested in relationships and the often unequal returns.
The chorus, with its lines "Amar, amar quem nunca me amou" (Love, love those who never loved me) and "Ser mais escravo do que hoje sou" (Be more of a slave than I am today), speaks to the pain of unrequited love and the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of emotional servitude. The repetition of "Acreditar no que eu acreditei" (Believe in what I believed) and "Trabalhar para quem trabalhei" (Work for whom I worked) underscores the struggle to maintain faith and effort in the face of past disappointments. Ultimately, the song is a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the tension between hope and fear, love and labor, and the relentless passage of time.