A Felicidade

The song 'A Felicidade,' composed by the legendary Brazilian musician Tom Jobim, is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of happiness compared to the seemingly endless presence of sadness. The lyrics poetically describe happiness as light and ephemeral, like a feather carried by the wind or a dewdrop on a flower petal—beautiful yet transient, and easily disturbed by the slightest breeze or tilt. This metaphor suggests that happiness is delicate and temporary, a momentary grace that must be cherished when it comes.

Jobim also touches on the social context of happiness, particularly in the lives of the poor. He compares their brief moments of joy to the grand illusion of carnival, where people work hard all year for a short-lived experience of revelry and escape. The reference to carnival, a significant cultural event in Brazil, underscores the contrast between the everyday struggle and the brief, intense bursts of happiness that come with such festivities. The song implies that these moments are as much a part of life as the ongoing hardships, but they are also a necessary respite, even if they end as quickly as they begin.

The song's recurring line, 'Tristeza não tem fim, felicidade sim' (Sadness has no end, happiness does), encapsulates the central theme: the persistence of sadness in contrast to the impermanence of happiness. The melancholic tone of the music, typical of bossa nova, complements the reflective and somewhat somber lyrics, creating a bittersweet acknowledgment of life's dualities. 'A Felicidade' invites listeners to ponder the balance of joy and sorrow in their own lives, and to appreciate the fleeting moments of happiness that come their way.