Até Que Durou

Péricles, a renowned figure in Brazilian music, particularly in the samba and pagode genres, touches upon the poignant theme of unrequited love in his song 'Até Que Durou'. The lyrics convey a deep sense of personal reflection and the pain of realizing that the love and effort one has poured into a relationship were not reciprocated. The song's title, which translates to 'It Lasted While It Did', sets a tone of resignation and acceptance of the relationship's end.

The narrator in the song expresses a journey of trying to be the perfect partner, making sacrifices, and adjusting to the other person's desires, only to come to the realization that these efforts were in vain. The repeated lines 'Só sei que eu senti amor / Que pena, só eu senti amor' ('I only know that I felt love / What a pity, only I felt love') underscore the one-sided emotional investment and the heartbreak that comes with it. The rhetorical question 'O que faço com os planos / Dos próximos anos' ('What do I do with the plans / For the coming years') highlights the void left by the broken dreams and shared future that will no longer come to pass.

The song's narrative is a universal experience, resonating with anyone who has ever loved without being loved in return. Péricles' soulful voice and the melancholic melody amplify the emotional weight of the lyrics, making 'Até Que Durou' a powerful ballad that speaks to the resilience required to move on from a love that was not mutual. The song is not just a tale of heartache but also a testament to the strength it takes to acknowledge this painful truth and the courage to let go.