Desafinado
Bob Brookmeyer feat. Stan Getz Lyrics

The lyrics of Bob Brookmeyer feat. Stan Getz's song, Desafinado, speak of the misconceptions and criticisms that come with being a musician, particularly one who is not skilled in traditional music. The singer opens with the lines "If you say I'm out of tune, my love, know that this causes immense pain in me. Only privileged people have ears as good as yours. I only have what God gave me." He is conveying the message that being tone-deaf or imperfect in singing does not mean he is not a skilled musician or that he does not possess the same passion and love for music as those who are more technically proficient. Misunderstandings about what constitutes good and bad music are common and hurtful, and the singer tries to argue that his style is just as valid as any other.

The lyrics also touch on the power dynamics in the music industry, with the singer lamenting about being labeled as "antimusical" by a critic. He even acknowledges the absurdity of his defense, saying "I must argue, even lying, that this is bossa nova, that this is very natural." He then shifts to a more optimistic tone, stating that "what you don't know, and don't even suspect, is that the tone-deaf also have a heart." The singer concludes with a message of love and forgiveness, stating that despite the hurt he has endured, he still considers his love for the person he sings to as greater than anything else.