Desde Que o Samba É Samba

João Gilberto's song "Desde Que o Samba É Samba" delves deep into the emotional landscape of samba, a genre that has been a cornerstone of Brazilian culture. The lyrics poignantly express the duality of joy and sorrow that samba embodies. The opening lines, "A tristeza é senhora / Desde que o samba é samba é assim," set the tone by acknowledging that sadness has always been a part of samba. This is further illustrated by the imagery of a clear tear on dark skin and the night and rain outside, symbolizing the pervasive presence of melancholy in life and music.

However, the song is not just a lament. It also highlights the transformative power of samba. The lines "Cantando eu mando a tristeza embora" emphasize the cathartic effect of singing and music. Through samba, the singer finds a way to expel sadness and embrace a sense of relief and joy. This duality is a testament to the genre's complexity, where pain and pleasure coexist, and music becomes a means of emotional release and transformation.

The recurring theme of samba's birth and its enduring nature, as seen in lines like "O samba ainda vai nascer / O samba ainda não chegou / O samba não vai morrer," underscores its timelessness and resilience. Samba is portrayed as both a source of pleasure and a product of pain, encapsulating the human experience. The song ultimately celebrates samba's role as a powerful, transformative force that can turn sorrow into joy, making it an essential part of Brazilian identity and culture.