Ternura Dos Quarenta

Paco Bandeira's song "Ternura Dos Quarenta" is a reflective and poignant exploration of life, love, and the passage of time. The lyrics delve into the introspective thoughts of someone who has reached the age of forty, looking back on their life with a mix of regret and acceptance. The song opens with the artist contemplating the solitude and missed opportunities of the past, expressing a sense of having had much to give but not having given it. This sentiment is encapsulated in the lines, "Tinha pra dar e não dei, olhei pra trás e pensei, não tenho nada na mão," which translates to "I had to give and didn't give, I looked back and thought, I have nothing in my hand." This sets the tone for a journey through memories and self-discovery.

As the song progresses, Bandeira reflects on the various stages of life he has left behind, acknowledging the friends lost, the loves unfulfilled, and the experiences missed. The lyrics, "Foram tantas as idades, da vida que atrás deixei, não quero sentir saudades," meaning "There were so many ages of life that I left behind, I don't want to feel nostalgic," highlight a desire to move forward without being weighed down by past regrets. Instead, the artist chooses to embrace new friendships and love what he hasn't yet loved, symbolizing a hopeful and forward-looking attitude.

The recurring theme of "a ternura dos quarenta," or "the tenderness of forty," serves as a metaphor for the wisdom, acceptance, and gentle strength that come with age. Bandeira emphasizes that this tenderness is immeasurable and invaluable, a sentiment beautifully captured in the lines, "A ternura dos quarenta, não tem conta, nem medida," meaning "The tenderness of forty has no count, no measure." The song ultimately conveys a message of resilience and the importance of cherishing the present, encouraging listeners to face life with courage and a smile, regardless of the past.