Mudam-Se Os Tempos, Mudam-Se As Vontades

José Mário Branco's song 'Mudam-Se Os Tempos, Mudam-Se As Vontades' is a profound reflection on the inevitability of change and the human response to it. The lyrics, which are in Portuguese, translate to 'Times change, desires change, one's being changes, trust changes; the whole world is made of change, always taking on new qualities.' This opening verse sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing that change is a constant and universal aspect of life.

The refrain, 'And if the whole world is made of change, let's turn the tables while the day is still young,' suggests a proactive stance towards the changes we encounter. It's an encouragement to take control and adapt, rather than passively accepting the changes that come our way. The song continues to explore the theme of change, noting that while the bad times leave behind sorrow, the good times leave behind longing. This contrast highlights the emotional impact of change and the human tendency to cling to the past.

The final verses of the song touch on the cyclical nature of change, with time bringing new life to what was once barren. Yet, there's a sense of melancholy in acknowledging that change itself has changed, and perhaps not in the ways we once expected. Branco's song, therefore, is not just an observation of change but a call to embrace it with the vigor and innocence of a child, as suggested by the line 'while the day is still young.'