Por Onde Andei

Nando Reis' song 'Por Onde Andei' is a poignant reflection on absence, regret, and the realization of love's importance. The lyrics convey a message from someone who has been absent, possibly both physically and emotionally, and is now acknowledging their mistakes and the impact of their absence on a loved one. The opening lines set the tone with an apology for being late, suggesting a missed opportunity or a delayed realization of what has been lost.

The song's chorus, 'Por onde andei / Enquanto voc me procurava?', translates to 'Where was I / While you were looking for me?', which encapsulates the theme of the song. It's a rhetorical question that highlights the singer's absence during times when they were needed or sought after. The repeated questioning of whether the singer knows that the person they're addressing is 'everything that was missing' indicates a newfound understanding of the value of the relationship and the partner's significance in their life.

Nando Reis uses metaphors to express the depth of his feelings, comparing the absence of love to the 'death of hope' and the insignificance of life's troubles in the face of true love's eternity. The imagery of leaving behind 'some clothes hanging' suggests a physical departure but also symbolizes the remnants of the past and what little was offered in the relationship. The song is a contemplative journey through self-awareness and the desire to make amends, resonating with anyone who has ever taken a relationship for granted and come to realize its true worth too late.