Fado do Estudante

Vasco Santana's 'Fado do Estudante' is a heartfelt ode to the carefree days of student life, filled with nostalgia and a sense of lost freedom. The song opens with a lament about the singer's current state, contrasting it with the vibrant and adventurous life he once led as a student. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man who lived for love and adventure, unburdened by responsibilities. This period is described as the best time of his life, marked by audacious conquests and carefree wandering, symbolized by his 'capa ao ar' (cape in the air) and 'cabeça ao léu' (head in the clouds).

The song takes a turn as the singer recalls a particular woman who stood out among his many fleeting romances. This 'traiçoeira de franja' (traitor with bangs) represents a significant emotional impact, hinting at a deeper, more poignant experience amidst the otherwise lighthearted escapades. The imagery of 'batina a abrir por um rasgão' (robe opening from a tear) and 'botas a rir num bengalão' (boots laughing in a cane) further emphasizes the carefree and rebellious spirit of his youth.

As the song progresses, the singer reminisces about his academic life, the books he read, the professors he admired, and the anatomy classes he attended—or rather, skipped. These memories are tinged with a sense of longing and regret, as he invokes the 'calhamaços' (tomes) and the 'jardim do velho campo de Santana' (garden of the old Santana field). The final verses celebrate Fado itself, the genre that encapsulates his emotions and experiences. Fado is described as a source of faith, beauty, and emotional resonance, underscoring its importance in his life. The song concludes with a declaration of his dual identity as both a 'Doutor' (Doctor) and a 'Fadista' (Fado singer), highlighting the enduring influence of his student days and the music that defines him.