Ainda Ontem Chorei de Saudade

The song 'Ainda Ontem Chorei de Saudade' by the Brazilian sertanejo duo João Mineiro e Marciano is a poignant ballad that delves into the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to move on. The lyrics express the deep sorrow and conflict experienced by someone who has been asked to disappear from the life of the person they love. Despite the request to be forgotten, the narrator finds it impossible to erase the memories and feelings that remain.

The chorus, 'Ainda ontem chorei de saudade,' which translates to 'Just yesterday I cried out of longing,' captures the essence of the song—nostalgia and heartache. The narrator is torn between the desire to fulfill the loved one's wish to be left alone and the overwhelming emotions that come with love and jealousy. The act of rereading an old letter and smelling its scent is a powerful image that conveys the lingering attachment and the pain of separation.

The song also touches on the theme of dreams as a refuge from reality. In dreams, the narrator is free to love and embrace the person they are forced to let go of in waking life. This contrast between the freedom of dreams and the constraints of reality highlights the internal struggle of holding onto a love that must be released. The recurring question, 'Mato esse amor ou me mata o ciúme,' which means 'Do I kill this love or does jealousy kill me,' underscores the dilemma of coping with the loss of love and the jealousy that arises from it.