Tens

Nana Caymmi's song 'Tens' is a poignant exploration of the complex emotions intertwined in a relationship. The lyrics delve into the duality of love and suffering, highlighting how one person's experiences and emotions can deeply affect another. The repeated use of 'tens' (you have) emphasizes the various ways the lover's presence and actions impact the narrator's life. The song paints a vivid picture of a relationship where joy and pain coexist, reflecting the bittersweet nature of love.

The lyrics 'Tens no meu sorriso tua agonia' (You have in my smile your agony) and 'Tens no meu amor tua teimosia' (You have in my love your stubbornness) suggest a deep connection where the narrator's positive emotions are shadowed by the lover's struggles and obstinacy. This juxtaposition of joy and suffering is a recurring theme, as seen in lines like 'Tens na minha dor tua melodia' (You have in my pain your melody), indicating that the lover finds solace or inspiration in the narrator's suffering.

Caymmi also touches on themes of absence and presence, as in 'Tens na minha ausência tua companhia' (You have in my absence your company). This line suggests a paradox where the lover feels a sense of companionship even in the narrator's absence, highlighting the emotional dependency and complexity of their bond. The song concludes with a somber note, 'Mas só na minha morte então terás tua calmaria' (But only in my death will you have your calm), implying that true peace for the lover can only be found in the narrator's ultimate absence. This final line encapsulates the profound and often painful connection between the two, making 'Tens' a deeply emotional and reflective piece.