Se Bastasse Uma Canção

Selma Reis's song "Se Bastasse Uma Canção" delves into the profound yet often underestimated power of music. The lyrics express a yearning for a world where a simple song could heal the wounds of humanity, bring joy to children, and alleviate the suffering of the oppressed. The repeated phrase "Mas quem sou eu?" (But who am I?) underscores a sense of humility and helplessness, acknowledging that while music is powerful, it alone is not enough to solve the world's problems.

The song uses the metaphor of the singer as a "simple cigarra" (cicada) and "simples cigana" (gypsy), emphasizing the transient and often overlooked role of the artist. Despite the beauty and emotional depth that music can bring, the singer recognizes that it requires much more than just a song to bring about real change. The lyrics call for collective action, stating that it takes "muito, muito mais gente cantando" (much, much more people singing) to make a significant impact.

Reis also touches on the idea of music as a form of resistance and hope. The song suggests that while singing alone may not be enough to change the world, it is still a vital part of the struggle. The act of singing becomes a form of living, a way to keep hope alive in the face of adversity. The closing lines, "Enquanto espero, sigo cantando, e cantando e cantando, eu vou vivendo" (While I wait, I keep singing, and singing and singing, I keep living), encapsulate this sentiment beautifully, portraying music as both a solace and a form of resilience.