Ligia

Tom Jobim's song 'Ligia' is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled love and the complexities of human emotions. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is deeply conflicted about his feelings for a woman named Ligia. He starts by listing all the things he supposedly doesn't like or hasn't done, such as going to the cinema, enjoying samba, or visiting Ipanema. These statements serve as a metaphor for his attempts to distance himself emotionally from Ligia, suggesting that he is trying to convince himself that he doesn't care about her.

The song takes a turn when he admits to calling her by mistake and forgetting her name, which indicates that she is constantly on his mind despite his efforts to forget her. The mention of leaving 'the nonsense of love' on the piano suggests that he is a musician who channels his unspoken emotions into his music. This is a classic Jobim touch, blending personal sentiment with musical expression. The refrain 'Lígia, Lígia' is repeated, emphasizing her lingering presence in his life.

As the song progresses, he confesses that he never wanted to spend weekends with her or enjoy simple pleasures like a cold beer in Copacabana. Yet, he admits that when he fell in love, it was just an illusion, and he even wrote a samba about the lies of love he learned from her. The final verse reveals his ultimate vulnerability: despite his fears and attempts to distance himself, he knows he will surrender to her serene embrace, even though her dark eyes scare him more than a ray of sun. This juxtaposition of fear and attraction encapsulates the essence of unrequited love and the internal struggle it brings.