The empathy with the musical instruments started with the guitar. It was with the guitar that she realised were the chords of her parent’s music come from. From The Beatles and from many others. And it was on an early age that she gave herself to the unique melodies that the jazz immortalized. The capacity of a melody to stand by itself, without the instruments. She embraced such artists as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzerald, Chet Baker, and many others and with them in her heart she set off to the Berklee College of Music, in Boston, USA, to study music. In her 4 year stay in Boston she was nominated for the «Best Jazz Song» at the Malibu Music Awards (2008); «Best Jazz Artist» at the Hollywood Music Awards ; «International Songwriting Competition» (2007) and «The John Lennon Songwriting Competition» (2008).
More than being nominated or completing her studies, Luísa was also discovering herself every year that went by. Her musical identity would further develop in New York, where she moved after finish her degree in Boston (2009). In her bags a lot of what would eventually give shape to songs that where already wandering inside her head. Hers and her mother’s who confessed to her she had dreamed that her first album would be called «The Cherry on My Cake». Maternal magic that made a dream come true.
The learning of the jazz standards, the practice done by playing a Brazilian music in bars and the stamina of her creativity all filtered into songs that would either gain live in paper or in chords. One after another. Well thought melodies with images inside. «I Would Love To», «Don`t Let Me Down», «Why Should I», among other songs that came together in an EP («My Funny Clementine»). The emphasis on the starting theme was obvious: «Not There Yet». A triple time rhythm, like a jazz waltz, colorful, an imposing chorus and violins in heaven. The record composition wasn’t to become limited to the English language. Between trips to and from Portugal, Luisa performed at the Super Bock Super Rock festival in Stock 2009. At this gig she mentions how much she would like to have a song in Portuguese. Upon her return to the States Luisa sketches a poem and melody for “O Engraxador” (the shoe shine man). That is followed by “Xico and Dolores”. For the upcoming record the will for a Portuguese cover song was still very much present. Nobody would be better to fill this part than Rui Veloso, artist that Luisa’s father listens to insistently. Luisa registers Carlos Te’s lyric and tries a different version of “Saiu para a Rua”.
«The Cherry on my Cake» is the result of all of this: of the person who dreams to live in Paris - totally inspired by French cinema. Result of the hectic New York vibe, of the familiar affection for Lisbon. From Regina Spektor to Elis Regina. From Billie Holiday to Bjork. From the 50’s to ingenuousness. From sound to image. From voice and talent: “I have a good life” she concludes.
Terça
Luísa Sobral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Num dia quente de Verão dançar bem juntinho
Cantar alto um refrão ouvir a chuva a cair
Debaixo de um cobertor
Não conseguir parar de rir
Escrever cartas de amor
São coisas pequeninas tão pequeninas
Coisas pequeninas tão pequeninas
Maiores do que podem parecer
Ver o nascer e o pôr do-sol
Contar estrelas cadentes
Dormir na praia ao relento
Provar frutas diferentеs ter um melhor amigo
Andar de biciclеta ter um cão ou um gato
Um abraço na hora certa
São coisas pequeninas tão pequeninas
Que lembram como é bom viver
Coisas pequeninas tão pequeninas
Maiores do que podem parecer
Um beijo ao deitar ler junto à lareira
Ver neve a primeira vez
Fazer castelos na areia
Comer fruta da árvore e legumes do chão
Provar chocolate escrever uma canção
In Luísa Sobral’s song “Terça,” the lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. The opening lines describe mundane yet joyful activities, such as diving into the sea on a hot summer day, dancing closely with someone special, singing aloud, and the comforting experience of hearing rain while snuggled under a blanket. This vivid imagery sets a warm, reflective tone, inviting listeners to visualize moments of uncomplicated joy that many might overlook in day-to-day life. The acts of laughing uncontrollably and writing love letters further amplify the theme of cherishing personal connections and passionate expressions of affection. By juxtaposing these seemingly trivial but meaningful experiences, Sobral suggests that true happiness often lies in the smaller, more intimate moments.
As the song progresses, Sobral continues to highlight various small delights that contribute to a fulfilling life. Observing the sun rise and set, counting shooting stars, and sleeping under the open sky encapsulate a deep appreciation for nature and its beauty. The inclusion of sensory experiences, such as tasting unusual fruits or riding a bicycle, reflects a youthful exuberance and an invitation to explore the world with curiosity. Furthermore, the mention of having a best friend and pets like dogs or cats adds to the theme of companionship, underlining the importance of relationships in enhancing one’s experience of joy. These small details collectively create a sense of grounding and connection to both nature and loved ones, suggesting that life’s richness comes from these shared experiences rather than material wealth.
The refrain reiterates that these “ Pequenas coisas” (small things) are often more significant than they might initially seem. The emphasis on their seemingly modest nature juxtaposes the profound impact they have on one’s well-being and overall happiness. The repetition of the phrase stresses the idea that true contentment can be derived from lives lived in appreciation of these understated yet profound moments. Sobral’s lyrical choice paints a picture of gratitude, reminding listeners to recognize and value the little joys that contribute to their happiness.
In the final verses, Sobral brings forth more intimate and cherished activities—sharing a kiss at night, reading together by the fireplace, and experiencing the beauty of snow for the first time. Building sandcastles, eating fresh fruits from trees, and sampling chocolate become symbols of simple indulgences that evoke childhood memories and evoke a sense of wonder. These lines resonate with universal experiences, conjuring feelings of warmth and belonging. Through her enchanting words, Sobral encapsulates the essence of cherishing the smaller moments in life, suggesting that they serve as the foundation of our memories and emotional richness. Ultimately, the song is a heartfelt reminder that amidst the complexities of life, it is often the little things that bring us the greatest joy and lead to a fulfilling existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Dar um mergulho no mar
Immerse oneself in the ocean's refreshing embrace
Num dia quente de Verão dançar bem juntinho
On a warm summer day, moving rhythmically close with a loved one
Cantar alto um refrão ouvir a chuva a cair
Singing joyfully along with a catchy tune while listening to the soothing sound of rain
Debaixo de um cobertor
Snuggled up comfortably under a warm blanket
Não conseguir parar de rir
Being unable to hold back laughter, immersed in sheer joy
Escrever cartas de amor
Crafting heartfelt letters filled with affection and desire
São coisas pequeninas tão pequeninas
These are small moments, seemingly insignificant
Que lembram como é bom viver
That remind us of the beauty and joy of being alive
Coisas pequeninas tão pequeninas
Little things that are genuinely simple and humble
Maiores do que podem parecer
Yet they hold greater significance than one might initially perceive
Ver o nascer e o pôr do-sol
Witnessing the breathtaking beauty of sunrise and sunset
Contar estrelas cadentes
Making wishes upon falling stars in the night sky
Dormir na praia ao relento
Sleeping under the open sky on the beach, embraced by nature
Provar frutas diferentes ter um melhor amigo
Tasting exotic fruits while enjoying the company of a best friend
Andar de bicicleta ter um cão ou um gato
Riding a bicycle accompanied by a beloved dog or cat
Um abraço na hora certa
Receiving a timely embrace that brings comfort and warmth
São coisas pequeninas tão pequeninas
These are small treasures, discreet yet profound
Que lembram como é bom viver
That evoke a sense of appreciation for the gift of life
Coisas pequeninas tão pequeninas
Delightful moments that might seem trivial
Maiores do que podem parecer
Yet they resonate deeply, holding lessons and memories of value
Um beijo ao deitar ler junto à lareira
Sharing a goodnight kiss and cozying up with a book by the fireplace
Ver neve a primeira vez
Experiencing the wonder of seeing snow for the first time
Fazer castelos na areia
Building intricate sandcastles on a sunny shore
Comer fruta da árvore e legumes do chão
Savoring freshly picked fruit and vegetables directly from nature
Provar chocolate escrever uma canção
Indulging in chocolate while creating heartfelt music
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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