Como Dizia o Poeta

Vinicius de Moraes' song 'Como Dizia o Poeta' is a poignant reflection on the essence of living fully, embracing love, and the willingness to experience both joy and pain. The lyrics suggest that life is most richly experienced by those who have loved deeply, suffered, and allowed themselves to be vulnerable. The opening lines set the tone for the song, implying that those who have merely existed without truly engaging in the emotional spectrum of life have missed out on its depth.

The song continues to explore the theme of love as an essential part of life, even when it brings pain. The assertion that 'even love that does not compensate is better than loneliness' speaks to the idea that the human connection, with all its risks, is preferable to isolation. This sentiment is a call to open oneself to life's experiences, to share rather than hoard, and to not let fear of suffering prevent one from living fully. Vinicius de Moraes, known for his poetic lyrics and contributions to the Bossa Nova genre, often explored themes of love, existentialism, and the human condition in his work.

The song concludes with a powerful statement about the necessity of emotional openness. The lyric 'Ai de quem não rasga o coração' (Woe to those who do not tear their heart) serves as a warning that those who guard themselves too closely from emotional pain may ultimately be denying themselves forgiveness and the full experience of life. The song, therefore, is a celebration of vulnerability and a reminder that to live fully, one must be willing to embrace both the highs and lows of the human experience.