Lápis de Cor
Santanna O Cantador
The Colors of Longing and Love in 'Lápis de Cor'
In 'Lápis de Cor,' Santanna O Cantador delves into the complex emotions of longing and love, painting a vivid picture of saudade—a Portuguese term that encapsulates a deep, melancholic longing for someone or something that is absent. The song opens with reflections on how saudade is an intrinsic part of having loved and lost, of being alone, and of crying quietly without drawing attention. This sets the tone for a journey through the emotional landscape of someone who has experienced both the beauty and the pain of love.
The lyrics poignantly describe how saudade has swept away dreams and left nests empty, placing more thorns than flowers at the door of the singer's heart. This metaphor highlights the bittersweet nature of longing, where memories of love can be both beautiful and painful. The singer expresses a desire to remember those who brought joy and to forget those who did not contribute positively to their life. This selective memory is a way of coping with the emotional scars left by past relationships.
As the song progresses, the singer yearns for a love that is tender and nurturing, someone who calls them 'amor' and soothes them to sleep with angelic whispers. This idealized love is contrasted with the reality of past disappointments, yet it offers a glimmer of hope. The final lines beautifully tie the theme of love to the imagery of a colorful life, likening the presence of a loved one to a beautiful watercolor painted with colored pencils. This metaphor suggests that love has the power to transform life into a vibrant and beautiful masterpiece.