Desafinado
Nara Leão & Elis Regina Lyrics

The lyrics of "Desafinado" by Nara Leão & Elis Regina address the theme of musicality and individuality. The song begins with a plea from the singer to their lover, expressing anguish over being accused of singing out of tune. They make it known that only the privileged possess an ear as refined as their lover's, while they only possess the natural abilities given to them by God.

The singer then responds to the lover's attempt to classify their behavior as anti-musical. They facetiously argue that their style is bossa nova and that it is simply a natural expression of themselves. They go on to reveal that what the lover does not know or understand is that even those who are considered "desafinados" (out of tune singers) also have a heart.

In the second half of the song, the singer metaphorically captures the lover on film with their Rolleiflex camera, and it leads to the revelation of the lover's ingratitude. The singer affirms that the lover cannot speak ill of their love because it is the greatest love the lover will ever find. They emphasize that the lover has forgotten the most important thing – that in the hearts of the "desafinados," there is also a beating heart, silently and deeply.

Overall, "Desafinado" conveys a message of self-acceptance and celebration of individuality. It challenges the idea that only those with perfect musical abilities are deserving of love and recognition, asserting that even those who may be considered imperfect have their own unique qualities and capacity for love.