Luiza
Tom Jobim
A Serenade to Luiza: Love, Longing, and Lyrical Beauty
Tom Jobim's song 'Luiza' is a poetic and heartfelt serenade that captures the essence of longing and unrequited love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a moonlit night, with the moon described as 'imensa e amarela' (immense and yellow), floating serenely in the sky. This celestial imagery sets the stage for a romantic and melancholic atmosphere, where the singer, a 'trovador cheio de estrelas' (troubadour full of stars), sings a song to forget his beloved Luiza. The moon and the stars serve as metaphors for the singer's feelings, highlighting the vastness and depth of his emotions.
The singer describes himself as a 'pobre amador' (poor amateur) and 'aprendiz do teu amor' (apprentice of your love), emphasizing his vulnerability and the intensity of his passion. He pleads with Luiza to wake up and acknowledge the love that lies beneath the surface, symbolized by the 'neve' (snow) that covers her heart. This imagery suggests a coldness or distance that the singer hopes to melt away with his affection. The repeated calls for Luiza to come to him, give him her hand, and share a kiss, reflect his desperate desire for connection and intimacy.
The song reaches a climax with the imagery of a 'raio de Sol nos teus cabelos' (ray of sun in your hair), likening Luiza's beauty to a brilliant light that reveals 'sete mil amores' (seven thousand loves) that the singer has kept just for her. This metaphor underscores the depth and multiplicity of his love, suggesting that his feelings are boundless and all-encompassing. The song 'Luiza' is a masterful blend of lyrical beauty and emotional depth, capturing the timeless themes of love, longing, and the hope for reciprocation.