Saudade de Amar
Nana Caymmi
The Lingering Ache of Love: Nana Caymmi's 'Saudade de Amar'
Nana Caymmi's song 'Saudade de Amar' delves deep into the bittersweet emotion of 'saudade,' a Portuguese term that encapsulates a profound sense of longing and nostalgia. The lyrics reflect on a past romance, filled with intense emotions and unforgettable moments. Caymmi's voice, known for its rich and emotive quality, brings these feelings to life, making the listener feel the weight of each memory and the depth of her yearning.
The song opens with a series of reflections on the past, highlighting the moments of connection and desire that once existed. The repetition of the word 'saudade' emphasizes the persistent and haunting nature of these memories. The lyrics convey a sense of loss, not just of the person, but of the intense emotions and experiences that came with the relationship. This is further underscored by the line 'Eu tenho é muita saudade, do tempo que amei,' which translates to 'I have a lot of saudade, of the time I loved.'
As the song progresses, Caymmi acknowledges the pain of love and the difficulty of moving on. She sings about the power of memories and how they continue to influence her, even after the relationship has ended. The line 'Só sabe de amor e de saudade, quem já ficou só' poignantly captures the idea that only those who have experienced solitude truly understand the depth of love and saudade. Despite the pain, there is a sense of acceptance and a recognition that these memories are a part of her. The song concludes with a powerful statement: 'Eu vivo sentindo saudade, de amar,' meaning 'I live feeling saudade, of loving.' This suggests that while the relationship has ended, the longing for the experience of love itself remains.