Tenha Calma

In 'Tenha Calma,' Maria Bethânia delivers a heartfelt plea to a lover on the verge of leaving. The song's lyrics are imbued with a sense of desperation and vulnerability, as the narrator grapples with the impending loss of a cherished relationship. The opening lines, 'Quer me deixar / Não sei porque,' set the tone for the song, revealing the narrator's confusion and sorrow over the lover's decision to leave. This emotional turmoil is further emphasized by the repeated refrain, 'Tenha calma, não se vá,' which translates to 'Be calm, don't go.'

The metaphor of 'O que é de vidro quebra no meu coração'—'What is made of glass breaks in my heart'—is particularly poignant, illustrating the fragility of the narrator's emotional state. The imagery of glass shattering conveys the deep pain and irreparable damage that the lover's departure would cause. The narrator's plea for the lover to stay is not just about preserving the relationship but also about maintaining their own emotional well-being.

Maria Bethânia's soulful delivery and the song's gentle melody enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics. The repeated promise to become 'do jeito que você quer / Um amor de mulher'—'the way you want / A woman's love'—highlights the narrator's willingness to change and adapt for the sake of the relationship. This willingness to compromise underscores the depth of their love and commitment. The use of 'meu pop star' adds a touch of endearment and admiration, suggesting that the lover holds a special, almost idolized place in the narrator's heart. Through 'Tenha Calma,' Bethânia captures the universal experience of love, loss, and the desperate hope for reconciliation.