Raimundo Fagner Cândido Lopes (born in Orós, Ceará, October 13, 1949) is a … Read Full Bio ↴Raimundo Fagner Cândido Lopes (born in Orós, Ceará, October 13, 1949) is a Brazilian singer, composer, musician, actor and music producer. He is commonly known by the stage name Fagner.

The youngest of the five children of José Fares, Lebanese immigrant to Brazil, and Dona Francisca, Fagner was born in Fortaleza, the capital of the state of Ceará, although his birth was recorded in Orós.

At the age of five years he won a youth competition at a local radio station. As a teen, he formed vocal and instrumental groups and began to compose his own music. In 1968 he won the Festival de Música Popular do Ceará (Popular Music Festival of Ceará) with his song "Nada Sou" (I am Nothing).

In 1971 he moved to the capital Brasília, taking first place in the Festival de Música Popular do Centro de Estudos Universitários de Brasília (Popular Music Festival of the University Studies Center of Brasília) with his piece "Mucuripe" (with collaborator Belchior), which was later recorded by artist Elis Regina, and became Fagner's first notable success as a composer. He won prizes in other categories with additional pieces, as well.

He has had a distinguished career as a performer, singer, songwriter and composer for over 3 decades, and is also known for his collaborations with other MPB artists such as Caetano Veloso, Roberta Miranda, Chico Buarque and others.

Punhal De Prata
Fagner Lyrics

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Eu sempre andei descalço
No encalço dessa menina
E a sola dos meus passos
Tem a pele muito fina

Eu sempre olhei nos olhos
Bem no fundo, nas retinas
E a menina dos olhos

Me mata, me alucina

Eu sempre andei sozinho
A mão esquerda vazia
A mão direita fechada
Em medo, por garantia

De encontrar quem me ama
Na hora que me odeia

Com este punhal de prata
Brilhando na lua cheia

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Fagner's song “Punhal de Prata” portray a story of unrequited love and the fear of betrayal. The singer reveals that he has been following a girl with delicate footsteps, but the skin on the soles of his feet has become thin from all his walking. He has always gazed deep into her eyes, but the girl's stare is so intense that it kills and mesmerizes him at the same time.

The singer confesses that he has lived a solitary life, with his left hand empty, while his right hand grips a silver dagger. He walks in fear, always on the lookout for someone who may appear to love him but harbors hatred or betrayal. The silver blade glimmers in the light of the full moon, a warning to any potential enemies.

The lyrics of “Punhal de Prata” are presented as a cautionary tale about the dangers of love and the fear of betrayal. The singer's fear and loneliness reflect the vulnerability that many of us feel in relationships. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of careful observation and a sense of self-preservation in all relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

Eu sempre andei descalço
I have always walked barefoot

No encalço dessa menina
Following that girl's trail

E a sola dos meus passos
The sole of my steps

Tem a pele muito fina
Has very thin skin

Eu sempre olhei nos olhos
I always looked in the eyes

Bem no fundo, nas retinas
Deep into the pupils

E a menina dos olhos
And the apple of the eye

Me mata, me alucina
Kills me, mesmerizes me

Eu sempre andei sozinho
I always walked alone

A mão esquerda vazia
Empty left hand

A mão direita fechada
Closed right hand