Antonio Pecci Filho (born in São Paulo, Brazil on July 6, 1946), originally… Read Full Bio ↴Antonio Pecci Filho (born in São Paulo, Brazil on July 6, 1946), originally nicknamed "Toquinho" by his mother, is a Brazilian singer and guitarist. He is well-known for his collaborations, as composer and performer, with Vinícius de Moraes. He began his guitar studies at the age of 14 with Paulinho Nogueira and went on to study harmony with Edgar Janulo, classical guitar with Isaias Sávio and orchestration with Léo Peracchi. He also studied with and befriended Oscar Castro-Neves.

Initially playing in colleges, Toquinho's professional career took off in the 1960s at shows promoted by radio personality Walter Silva at the famous Paramount theater in São Paulo. He composed his first recorded song with Chico Buarque entitled "Lua Cheia" (Full Moon). His first big hit was composed in 1970 with Jorge Benjor, "Que Maravilha" (What a Wonder). That same year he was invited by Vinícius de Moraes, co-writer of the worldwide hit song "Garota de Ipanema" (The Girl from Ipanema), to participate in a series of shows in Buenos Aires, forming a solid partnership that would continue for 11 years and produce 120 songs, 25 records and over a thousand shows.

After the death of Vinícius de Moraes in 1980, he went on to pursue a solo career, often performing with other talented musicians like Paulinho da Viola, Danilo Caymmi, Paulinho Nogueira and Chico Buarque. He continues to record and play.

Felicidade
Toquinho Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Tristeza não tem fim
Felicidade sim

Tristeza não tem fim
Felicidade sim

A felicidade é como a gota
De orvalho numa pétala de flor

Brilha tranquila
Depois de leve oscila
E caí como uma lágrima de amor

A felicidade do pobre parece
A grande ilusão do carnaval
A gente trabalha o ano inteiro
Por um momento de sonho
Pra fazer a fantasia
De rei ou de pirata ou jardineira
Pra tudo se acabar na quarta-feira

Tristeza não tem fim
Felicidade sim

Tristeza não tem fim
Felicidade sim

A felicidade é como a pluma
Que o vento vai levando pelo ar
Voa tão leve, mas tem a vida breve
Precisa que haja vento sem parar

A minha felicidade está sonhando
Nos olhos da minha namorada
É como esta noite, passando, passando
Em busca da madrugada
Falem baixo, por favor
Pra que ela acorde alegre com o dia
Oferecendo beijos de amor

Tristeza não tem fim
Felicidade sim

Tristeza não tem fim
Felicidade sim

Tristeza não tem fim

Overall Meaning

The song "Felicidade" by Toquinho is a beautiful meditative piece that explores the theme of happiness and sadness. The lyrics repeat the lines "tristeza não tem fim" (sadness has no end) and "felicidade sim" (happiness yes) throughout, emphasizing the contrast between the two. The first verse compares happiness to a dewdrop on a flower petal that shines and then falls like a tear of love. The second verse reflects on the illusion of happiness during carnival season, where people work all year to create elaborate costumes and revel in the festivities, only to return to their regular lives after it's all over. The third verse likens happiness to a feather that is carried away by the wind, fleeting and ephemeral, and ends with a declaration that the singer's happiness lies in the eyes of his beloved and in the simple moments of love they share.

The song speaks to the human condition of seeking happiness, which is often elusive and fleeting. The imagery of flowers, tears, feathers, and wind creates a sense of transience and impermanence that is central to the human experience. The contrast between the sadness that has no end and the happiness that is always present but often fleeting underscores the importance of cherishing the moments of joy that life offers.

Line by Line Meaning

Tristeza não tem fim
Sadness has no end and is unrelenting

Felicidade sim
Happiness, on the other hand, is attainable

A felicidade é como a gota De orvalho numa pétala de flor Brilha tranquila Depois de leve oscila E caí como uma lágrima de amor
Happiness is like a dewdrop on a flower's petal. It shines serenely, moving gently before falling like a tear of love

A felicidade do pobre parece A grande ilusão do carnaval A gente trabalha o ano inteiro Por um momento de sonho Pra fazer a fantasia De rei ou de pirata ou jardineira Pra tudo se acabar na quarta-feira
The happiness of the poor seems like a great illusion, like the carnival. We work all year long for a moment of dream to create the costume for king, pirate or gardener, only to have it all end on Wednesday

A felicidade é como a pluma Que o vento vai levando pelo ar Voa tão leve, mas tem a vida breve Precisa que haja vento sem parar
Happiness is like a feather that the wind carries through the air. It flies lightly but has a brief life, needing the wind to keep blowing without stopping

A minha felicidade está sonhando Nos olhos da minha namorada É como esta noite, passando, passando Em busca da madrugada Falem baixo, por favor Pra que ela acorde alegre com o dia Oferecendo beijos de amor
My happiness is dreaming in the eyes of my girlfriend. It's like this night, passing and seeking the dawn. Speak softly, please, so that she wakes up happy with the day and can offer kisses of love

Tristeza não tem fim
Sadness has no end

Felicidade sim
Happiness is achievable

Tristeza não tem fim
Sadness has no end

Felicidade sim
Happiness is achievable

Writer(s): De Moraes Vinicius, Salvet Andre Michel Charles, Jobim Antonio Carlos

Contributed by Mason F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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