Segredo

João Gilberto's song 'Segredo' delves into the complexities of love and the importance of discretion in relationships. The lyrics emphasize the need to keep certain aspects of a relationship private, suggesting that discussing past issues can lead to unnecessary complications. The repeated line, 'Teu mal é comentar o passado' (Your fault is commenting on the past), highlights the detrimental effects of dwelling on previous conflicts. This notion is reinforced by the metaphor, 'O peixe é pro fundo das redes, segredo é pra quatro paredes' (The fish is for the bottom of the nets, secrets are for four walls), which implies that just as fish belong in the depths, secrets should remain confined within the relationship.

The song also touches on the inevitability of misfortune and the fragility of happiness. Lines like 'Quando o infortúnio nos bate à porta e o amor nos foge pela janela' (When misfortune knocks at our door and love escapes through the window) paint a vivid picture of how external factors can disrupt a relationship. The subsequent declaration, 'A felicidade para nós está morta e não se pode viver sem ela' (Happiness for us is dead and we cannot live without it), underscores the essential role of happiness in sustaining love. This sentiment is further echoed in the refrain, 'Para o nosso mal não há remédio, coração' (For our ailment, there is no remedy, heart), indicating a sense of hopelessness and resignation.

João Gilberto, a pioneer of Bossa Nova, uses his signature style to convey these profound emotions. His gentle guitar strumming and soothing vocals create an intimate atmosphere, allowing listeners to feel the weight of the lyrics. The song's melancholic tone and reflective nature are characteristic of Gilberto's work, which often explores themes of love, loss, and introspection. 'Segredo' serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain a relationship and the importance of keeping certain truths unspoken.