Triste (feat. Elis Regina)
Tom Jobim
The Melancholy of Unrequited Love: A Dive into Tom Jobim's 'Triste'
The song 'Triste' by Tom Jobim, a renowned Brazilian composer and musician, is a poignant expression of the feelings of loneliness and the pain of unrequited love. The lyrics convey a deep sense of sadness that comes from realizing that one's passionate feelings are not reciprocated and that living in a fantasy is unsustainable. The song's title, 'Triste,' which means 'sad' in Portuguese, encapsulates the overall mood of the piece.
Jobim's lyrics poetically describe the heartache of seeing someone who is so beautiful that they seem unattainable, comparing their beauty to an airplane that is too much for a 'poor heart' that stops just to watch them pass by. This metaphor highlights the distance and unreachability of the object of affection. The realization that dreams must be abandoned and that one must wake up to reality is a central theme of the song, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of love and longing.
The music of Tom Jobim often falls within the genre of Bossa Nova, known for its smooth and melancholic melodies that perfectly complement the themes of love and loss. 'Triste' is a classic example of how Jobim's compositions blend lyrical depth with musical sophistication, creating a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced the sorrow of loving without being loved in return.