O Que Tinha de Ser
Antonio Carlos Jobim Lyrics

The lyrics of "O Que Tinha de Ser" by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Elis Regina explore the underlying emotions and feelings that arise when two individuals come together in love. The opening line, "Porque foste na vida a última esperança" translates to "Because you were in life my last hope." This line expresses the idea that the person being addressed is seen as the final chance for the singer to find happiness and fulfillment in their life.

The lyrics further emphasize the transformative power of the relationship by stating, "Encontrar-te me fez criança" which means "Finding you made me a child again." Here, the singer is highlighting the rejuvenating effect of their connection, implying that their loved one brings back feelings of innocence, joy, and wonder.

The song continues by acknowledging the deep bond between the two, stating, "Porque já eras meu, sem eu saber sequer" which means "Because you were already mine, without my even knowing." This line suggests that the connection was destined to happen, that the two souls were meant to find each other, even before they were aware of it.

The final lines of the song, "Porque foste o que tinha de ser" which translates to "Because you were what had to be" encompasses the overall message of the song. It recognizes that the union between the singer and their loved one was inevitable and necessary, the culmination of everything they had been searching for.