Se Ela Perguntar
Jair Amorim
The Mask of Happiness: A Tale of Unrequited Love
Jair Amorim's song "Se Ela Perguntar" delves deep into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the facade of happiness one must maintain. The lyrics tell the story of a man who, despite his profound sorrow, instructs others to tell his beloved that he is happy if she ever inquires about him. This act of dissimulation, hiding his true feelings behind a smile, is a poignant reflection of the pain and heartbreak that often accompany love.
The song's protagonist reveals that his heart may no longer belong to the woman for whom he once suffered and dreamed. He likens her to a solitary star in the sky of his love, a star that has never dimmed since it first shone. This metaphor underscores the enduring nature of his feelings, even in the face of unreciprocated affection. The hope of seeing her again is juxtaposed with the bitterness of only being able to plead for her love in a state of madness, highlighting the torment of his passion.
Amorim's lyrics also touch on the broader theme of the inherent pain in love. The protagonist acknowledges that true happiness lies in concealing his tears behind a smile, a sentiment that resonates with many who have experienced the agony of love. The imagery of plucking petals from daisies, a traditional symbol of love's uncertainty, further emphasizes the unpredictability and heartache of romantic relationships. The song concludes with a resigned acceptance that to suffer is to live, encapsulating the bittersweet reality of love and life.