Há Tempos

Legião Urbana's song 'Há Tempos' is a poignant exploration of melancholy, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels devoid of hope. The opening lines, 'Parece cocaína, mas é só tristeza, talvez tua cidade,' set the tone for the song, comparing the pervasive sadness to a drug, suggesting that the environment itself might be a source of this despair. This metaphor highlights the depth of the emotional struggle, as the sadness is not just a fleeting feeling but a constant, almost addictive presence.

The lyrics delve into themes of weariness and isolation, with lines like 'Muitos temores nascem do cansaço e da solidão' reflecting how fears and anxieties often stem from exhaustion and loneliness. The song speaks to a collective loss of virtue and dreams, as seen in 'Herdeiros são agora da virtude que perdemos' and 'Os sonhos vêm e os sonhos vão, e o resto é imperfeito.' These lines suggest a generational decline, where the current state of society is a far cry from the ideals and dreams once held.

A particularly striking part of the song is the lamentation of the youth's suffering, 'E há tempos são os jovens que adoecem,' indicating a deep concern for the younger generation's mental and emotional well-being. The imagery of rusted smiles and the absence of enchantment, 'E há ferrugem nos sorrisos, e há tempos o encanto está ausente,' paints a bleak picture of a world where joy and wonder have faded. Yet, amidst this darkness, there is a glimmer of hope in the lines 'Meu amor, disciplina é liberdade, compaixão é fortaleza, ter bondade é ter coragem,' suggesting that virtues like discipline, compassion, and kindness can be sources of strength and resilience.

The song's closing lines, 'Lá em casa tem um poço, mas a água é muito limpa,' offer a metaphorical reflection on purity and the potential for renewal, even in a world that seems overwhelmingly tainted. This final image leaves the listener with a sense of cautious optimism, hinting that despite the pervasive sadness and disillusionment, there is still a possibility for clarity and purity in one's life.