Triste (part. Tom Jobim)

Elis Regina's song 'Triste' delves deep into the sorrow and loneliness that accompany unrequited love. The lyrics poignantly express the pain of living in solitude, especially when one's heart is consumed by a passion that is not reciprocated. The repetition of the word 'triste' (which means 'sad' in Portuguese) underscores the pervasive sense of melancholy that permeates the song. The singer laments the cruel reality that dreams and illusions cannot sustain a person, and that eventually, the dreamer must wake up to face the harsh truth.

The metaphor of beauty being an 'avião' (airplane) is particularly striking. It suggests that the object of the singer's affection is so stunning and unattainable that it is beyond the reach of a 'pobre coração' (poor heart). This imagery conveys a sense of awe and helplessness, as the singer can only watch from afar, knowing that this beauty is too much to bear. The act of stopping to watch the beloved pass by, only to feel tormented, highlights the masochistic nature of unrequited love, where the lover subjects themselves to pain just to catch a glimpse of the beloved.

Elis Regina, known for her emotive voice and expressive performances, brings a profound depth to the song. Her delivery captures the essence of longing and despair, making 'Triste' a powerful exploration of the human condition. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the heartache of loving someone who does not love them back, and it serves as a reminder of the universal nature of such emotions.