Ainda Lembro
Marisa Monte
The Melancholy of Remembrance in Marisa Monte's 'Ainda Lembro'
Marisa Monte's song 'Ainda Lembro' is a poignant reflection on memory, love, and regret. The lyrics convey a deep sense of nostalgia and the pain of realizing that what once seemed like a perfect relationship was, in fact, filled with illusions. The song's title, which translates to 'I Still Remember,' sets the tone for a journey through past emotions and the acknowledgment of personal mistakes in the context of a romantic relationship.
The narrative of the song is built around the recollection of past promises and declarations of love. The protagonist recalls being told that they were everything their partner ever wanted, which brought them happiness even amidst sadness. This bittersweet memory highlights the complexity of emotions involved in looking back at a relationship that has ended. The repetition of the phrase 'Eu, você, em qualquer lugar' ('You and I, anywhere') emphasizes the universality of such experiences, where love once felt boundless and without constraints.
However, the song also touches on the theme of self-realization and growth. The line 'Que o grande mal que eu fiz / Foi a mim mesmo' ('The great harm I did / Was to myself') suggests that the speaker has come to understand that the greatest mistake was not just being part of an illusory love, but also not recognizing their own self-worth. The act of turning on the music and dimming the lights is a metaphor for moving on, creating a new atmosphere, and perhaps finding solace in solitude or in the arts. 'Ainda Lembro' is a testament to the enduring impact of love and the lessons learned from its demise.