Ainda Bem

Marisa Monte's 'Ainda Bem' is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and wonder at finding love when least expected. The song's title, which translates to 'Thank Goodness' or 'Luckily' in English, sets the tone for a narrative of serendipitous affection. Monte, a renowned Brazilian singer, songwriter, and musician, is known for her smooth voice and her ability to blend a variety of genres, including pop, samba, and bossa nova, into her music. Her style often includes poetic lyrics and rich melodies that resonate with emotional depth.

The lyrics of 'Ainda Bem' speak to a person who has experienced loneliness and disillusionment in love, having been 'acostumado com a solidão' (accustomed to solitude) and with a heart that was 'aposentado' (retired) and 'maltratado' (mistreated). The arrival of a new love brings a profound transformation, rekindling hope and joy. The repetition of 'Você que me faz feliz' (You make me happy) and 'Você que me faz cantar' (You make me sing) emphasizes the impact of this newfound relationship on the narrator's life, suggesting that this love has not only brought happiness but also inspired creativity and a renewed zest for life.

The song's simple yet powerful chorus, with its melodic 'Na, na, na' interlude, invites listeners to share in the universal experience of love's redemptive power. The use of 'na, na, na' serves as a joyful and carefree celebration of love, transcending language barriers and allowing the emotion to be felt purely through the music. 'Ainda Bem' captures the essence of finding someone who validates one's existence and brings light to previously darkened corners of the heart, a theme that resonates with many who have found love against all odds.