Eminent Brazilian erudite composers like Radamés Gnattali, Marlos Nobre, Edino Krieger, and Francisco Mignone have dedicated pieces to them and so did Roland Dyens, Nikita Koshkin, and Ástor Piazzolla. Their father, a mandolinist and chorão (choro genre player), initiated them in the mysteries of the violão in 1966. With all the family moving in 1969 to Rio de Janeiro, the two brothers took classical guitarist and lutenist Monina Távora (former Andrés Segovia disciple) as teacher for seven years. In 1973 they won the Brazilian Symphonic Orchestra competition for young soloists. In 1977 they recorded an LP for the first time with the Orquestra Armorial. They would record more than 21 solo albums in the duo's career and appear in important releases such as Yo Yo Ma's Soul of the Tango CD (1997). In 1979 they debuted in the U.S. Their start in Europe came with the winning of a major prize that same year at the "Rostrum of Young Interpreters" in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia (with the recording of a solo album). In 1983, having established their international career solidly, they settled in that continent. Performances (some of them with orchestra) throughout Scandinavia, Australia, Finland (Turku Music Festival, 1987), Great Britain, Turkey (Istambul festival, 1987), Taiwan, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Greece, Poland, France (Paris, 1982, Les Musiques du Monde festival), Belgium, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Holland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Israel, Japan, Argentina, and Brazil followed. The duo played with the following orchestras, among others: Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira, Adelaide Symphonic Orchestra (Australia), Buenos Aires Symphonic Orchestra (Argentina), RAI (Italy), and Belgium National Orchestra. In 1993 and 1994 they performed at the Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall in New York. In 1995, they toured North America, performing at Toronto's Ford Centre, Phoenix, Nashville, the Wolf Trap Foundation in Vienna, Virginia, and New York City. In the next year, they played at Pasadena's Ambassador Auditorium and in San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, and New York City.
Canção
Sérgio & Odair Assad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Debaixo de sete chaves
Dentro do coração
Assim falava canção
Que na América ouvi
Mas quem cantava chorou
Ao ver seu amigo partir
Mas quem ficou
No pensamento voou
Com seu canto que o outro lembrou
E quem voou
No pensamento ficou
Com a lembrança que o outro cantou
Amigo é coisa pra se guardar
Do lado esquerdo do peito
Mesmo que o tempo e a distância
Digam não
Mesmo esquecendo a canção
O que importa é ouvir
A voz que vem do coração
Pois seja o que vier
Venha o que vier
Qualquer dia amigo, eu volto a te encontrar
Qualquer dia amigo, a gente vai se encontrar
Pois seja o que vier (pois seja o que vier)
Venha o que vier
Qualquer dia amigo, eu volto a te encontrar
Qualquer dia amigo, a gente vai se encontrar
The lyrics of Sérgio & Odair Assad's song "Canção" deeply explore the theme of friendship and the emotional weight it carries in human relationships. At the outset, the song articulates the notion that friendship is a precious treasure, metaphorically described as something to be kept "under seven keys" and "within the heart." This imagery emphasizes the private, sacred nature of friendship, suggesting that it requires protection and careful handling, much like a valuable secret or artifact. The reference to the song that the singer heard in America hints at the universality of the message; no matter where one is, the value of friendship transcends borders and cultures. This initial portrayal sets a tone of reverence and nostalgia, as the listener is invited to reflect on the importance of safeguarding such bonds.
As the lyrics progress, they introduce a poignant narrative element where the joy of the song contrasts sharply with sorrow, notably through the experience of loss. The lines "Mas quem cantava chorou / Ao ver seu amigo partir" imply an emotional farewell, evoking a sense of grief when a friend leaves. The act of singing becomes intertwined with both joy and sadness; it serves as a means of expression for the pain of separation, signifying that memories of friends can bring about reflective emotions. This juxtaposition highlights the profound connection between friendship and the sorrow of parting, illustrating how music has the power to encapsulate both happiness and sorrow. Such an experience resonates universally, as relationships often encompass both elements—creating bittersweet memories that linger long after friends have gone.
The song continues to delve into the connection between memory and thought, describing how those who remain are mentally uplifted by the memories of their friends. The lyrics utilize the motif of flight—a representation of thoughts and memories soaring—reflecting how the essence of friendship transcends physical presence. Lines like "Quem ficou / No pensamento voou" suggest that the spirit of a friend can linger in one's mind, allowing them to continue the connection despite physical distance. This imagery conveys the message that even when friends are separated, their influence and the warmth of shared memories can fill the void, demonstrating that true connection is not limited by geographical barriers. It’s a reminder that the bonds we share are profound enough to endure time and distance.
In the final verses, the lyrics affirm a sense of hope and resilience in friendship. The repeated phrases "Qualquer dia amigo, eu volto a te encontrar" encapsulate an unwavering belief in eventual reunion, evoking optimism despite the trials that may arise. The reassurance that regardless of what happens, friends will come together again reinforces the idea that real friendship endures through hardships. The emphasis on the heart as the "left side of the chest" symbolizes loyalty, genuine emotion, and closeness in this companionship. Ultimately, the song conveys a message of enduring love and hope, encouraging listeners to cherish their friendships as treasures that, although impacted by time and distance, remain vital and alive in the heart's memory. The emotional landscape created throughout the song resonates with anyone who has experienced the beautiful complexities of friendship, making it a heartfelt anthem for connection and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Amigo é coisa pra se guardar
Friendship is a treasure that deserves to be cherished.
Debaixo de sete chaves
It should be safeguarded with utmost secrecy and care.
Dentro do coração
Held securely within the depths of one's heart.
Assim falava canção
This was the message conveyed by the song.
Que na América ouvi
A melody I encountered during my time in America.
Mas quem cantava chorou
Yet the singer wept sorrowfully.
Ao ver seu amigo partir
Upon witnessing the departure of a dear friend.
Mas quem ficou
But for those who remained,
No pensamento voou
Their thoughts soared with memories.
Com seu canto que o outro lembrou
With the soundtrack of memories evoked by the other.
E quem voou
And those who have taken flight,
No pensamento ficou
Remain anchored in thought.
Com a lembrança que o outro cantou
Carrying the reminiscence sung by the other.
Amigo é coisa pra se guardar
Friendship is something that ought to be protected.
Do lado esquerdo do peito
Nestled close to the left side of the chest, signifying emotional closeness.
Mesmo que o tempo e a distância
Even if time and distance impose barriers,
Digam não
And declare that it’s impossible.
Mesmo esquecendo a canção
Even when forgetting the song itself,
O que importa é ouvir
What truly matters is listening.
A voz que vem do coração
To the voice that emanates from the heart.
Pois seja o que vier
For whatever may come,
Venha o que vier
No matter what arrives.
Qualquer dia amigo, eu volto a te encontrar
One day, my friend, I shall return to meet you again.
Qualquer dia amigo, a gente vai se encontrar
Eventually, my friend, we will reunite.
Pois seja o que vier (pois seja o que vier)
Regardless of what happens (regardless of what happens),
Venha o que vier
No matter what comes our way.
Qualquer dia amigo, eu volto a te encontrar
One day, my friend, I will find my way back to you.
Qualquer dia amigo, a gente vai se encontrar
One day, my friend, we will embrace once more.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: Fernando Rocha Brant, Milton Nascimento
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind