saudade
/saʊˈdɑːdə/
Technically, it’s a complex emotion caused by the absence of something or someone who, unable to be reached, leaves in their place mixed feelings of nostalgia, lack, loss, emptiness, incompleteness, distance, and sorrow – all watered with joy and gratitude for the memories that keep alive both love and a deep desire to once again enjoy what now is missing.
Poetically, among unknown writers, it’s “the incessant presence of absence”, “a smile that our memory cannot erase”, “the love that remains”, “a feeling that does not fit in the heart and runs down the eyes”; among the consecrated ones, “the good that is suffered and the evil that is enjoyed” (Manuel Melo); “the worst torment / the reversal of a birth / tidying the room of a child who has already died / the worst punishment” (Chico Buarque) [in free translations of Portuguese verses by famous writers].
The feeling is universal and, contrary to a legend in which native Portuguese speakers foolishly like to believe, it can actually be expressed in several languages. One privilege, however, is indeed exclusive to those who have been blessed with the good fortune of having the beautiful Portuguese language as their native tongue: immersing themselves in some of the most amazing music in the world without losing anything through imperfect translations.
♪ PRA SENTIR SAUDADE
[Uma playlist de Musings N’ Music]
A collection of songs about saudade – a feeling that, although universal, is portrayed with singular beauty in songs written in the poetic Portuguese language. Artists: Anavitória, Bryan Behr, Chico Buarque, Jessé, Jota.pê, Kid Abelha, Legião Urbana, Leo Jaime, Leoni, O Teatro Mágico, Roupa Nova, Tim Maia, Toquinho, & others.
To learn how I try to organize my playlists, please read Notes On My Playlists on Spotify.