Que Nem Jiló

Luiz Gonzaga's song 'Que Nem Jiló' delves into the complex emotions of saudade, a Portuguese word that encapsulates a deep sense of longing and nostalgia. The lyrics explore two facets of this feeling: the bittersweet remembrance of a lost love and the painful yearning for someone who is still desired. Gonzaga poetically contrasts these experiences, suggesting that remembering a past love can be comforting because it reminds one of happiness, even if it was fleeting. This type of saudade is almost pleasant, as it allows one to appreciate the joy that once was, without the immediate pain of loss.

However, the song takes a darker turn when it discusses the torment of dreaming about someone who is still deeply missed. This form of saudade is described as torturous, causing the singer to suffer intensely. Gonzaga uses the metaphor of jiló, a bitter Brazilian vegetable, to illustrate how this longing can be as bitter and unpleasant as the taste of jiló. The singer's personal experience of living in constant pain due to this unfulfilled desire adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the song.

Despite the sorrow, the song ends on a resilient note. The singer reveals that his remedy for this deep-seated sadness is to sing. This act of singing becomes a form of catharsis, a way to cope with the overwhelming feelings of saudade. By expressing his emotions through music, the singer finds a way to manage his pain and maintain a semblance of happiness. This resilience in the face of emotional turmoil is a testament to the human spirit's ability to find solace in art and expression.