Desafinado

The song 'Desafinado', composed by Tom Jobim, is a classic of the Bossa Nova genre, which originated in Brazil during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The title 'Desafinado' translates to 'Off Key' or 'Out of Tune' in English, and the lyrics playfully address the criticism of being out of tune while asserting the emotional depth and authenticity of the singer's music and love.

The song begins with the singer addressing someone who criticizes their singing, claiming they are off-key and lack musical ability. Despite this, the singer points out the critic's beauty but warns that beauty can fade. This can be seen as a metaphor for the superficiality of the critic's judgment, focusing on technical perfection rather than the feeling and passion behind the music. The singer then expresses the pain caused by the accusation of being out of tune, emphasizing that not everyone has the privileged ear of the critic, and they can only work with what they have been given by God.

In the latter part of the song, the singer defends their style as being part of Bossa Nova, suggesting that the imperfections are a natural aspect of the genre's laid-back and innovative style. The singer also reminds the critic that even those who are 'desafinado' have a heart, implying that emotion and sincerity in music are just as important as technical skill. The use of the Rolleiflex camera in the lyrics symbolizes capturing the truth of the situation, revealing the critic's ingratitude. Ultimately, the song is a defense of the singer's love, which is described as the greatest one can find, and a reminder that the heart of the singer, though perhaps musically imperfect, is full of genuine emotion.