Querida

Tom Jobim's song 'Querida' is a poetic exploration of the contrasts between the ephemeral and the eternal aspects of life. The lyrics juxtapose the fleeting nature of certain experiences with the enduring qualities of others. For instance, Jobim contrasts the 'longa é a tarde, longa é a vida' (long is the afternoon, long is life) with 'breve é o dia, breve é a vida' (short is the day, short is life), highlighting the paradoxical nature of time. This duality is a recurring theme in the song, emphasizing how moments of beauty and pain coexist and shape our existence.

The song also delves into the emotional landscape of human experience. The repeated mention of 'longa é a dor do pecador, querida' (long is the pain of the sinner, dear) suggests a deep sense of remorse and longing. In contrast, the 'breve é a dor do trovador, querida' (short is the pain of the troubadour, dear) implies that artistic expression can offer a temporary respite from suffering. Jobim's use of metaphors, such as the 'longa praia' (long beach) and 'vasto é o mar, espelho do céu' (vast is the sea, mirror of the sky), further enriches the song's imagery, painting a vivid picture of the natural world as a reflection of human emotions.

The personal and intimate tone of the song is evident in the lines addressing a beloved, 'Você tão linda nesse vestido' (You so beautiful in that dress) and 'Você provoca minha libido' (You provoke my libido). These lines add a layer of sensuality and desire, making the song not just a philosophical musing but also a deeply personal love letter. The interplay between the eternal and the ephemeral, the profound and the personal, makes 'Querida' a rich tapestry of human experience, capturing the essence of life's fleeting yet enduring moments.