Saudade

Nelsinho Corrêa's song 'Saudade' delves into the profound and complex emotion encapsulated by the Portuguese word 'saudade.' This term, often considered untranslatable, refers to a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one loves and is now absent. The lyrics emphasize that this feeling of saudade is inherently tied to positive experiences and cherished memories. The repetition of the line 'Só se tem saudade do que é bom' (You only feel saudade for what is good) underscores that this longing is a testament to the value and beauty of what was lost.

The song also addresses the natural human responses to love and loss. Corrêa sings, 'Se chorei de saudade, não foi por fraqueza, foi porque eu amei' (If I cried from saudade, it wasn't out of weakness, it was because I loved). This line challenges societal perceptions that equate emotional expression with weakness. Instead, it frames tears and longing as evidence of deep, genuine love. The rhetorical questions 'E se eu amei, quem vai me condenar? Se eu chorei, quem vai me criticar?' (And if I loved, who will condemn me? If I cried, who will criticize me?) further assert that these emotions are natural and should not be judged.

The song also contrasts those who have experienced love and loss with those who have not. Lines like 'Só quem não amou, quem não chorou, quem se esqueceu que é um ser humano' (Only those who haven't loved, who haven't cried, who have forgotten they are human) suggest that to live fully is to embrace both joy and sorrow. This perspective elevates saudade from mere sadness to a profound acknowledgment of life's richness. By celebrating the depth of human emotion, 'Saudade' becomes a poignant reminder of the beauty and pain that come with truly living and loving.