A Felicidade

Amelita Baltar, Maria Creuza, Vinícius de Moraes

About A Felicidade

"A felicidade" ("Happiness") is a bossa nova song by Antônio Carlos Jobim, with lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes, composed in 1958 for the French film Orfeu Negro (Black Orpheus). The theme of the song is the fragility of happiness. The lyrics begin: "Tristeza não tem fim. Felicidade sim" ("Sadness has no ending. Happiness does"). The lyrics compare happiness to a drop of dew, a feather floating in the wind, and the poor escaping their reality in the fantasies of Carnaval, emphasizing the transitory nature of each. The final stanzas reference the "namorada" (girlfriend/sweetheart) of the character singing the song, without touching directly on the theme of impermanence and loss. In the context of the film, however, these stanzas describe Orfeu's search for Euridice after her death ("É como esta noite, passando, passando, em busca da madrugada..." ("It's like tonight, passing, passing, in search of dawn..."). Jobim and Vinícius collaborated on several songs for the 1956 stage play, Orfeu da Conceição, but French producer Sacha Gordine wanted new material for the film version. According to author Ruy Castro, "The duo wrote three songs, mostly over the telephone, given that Vinicíus was now working for the Itamaraty in Montevideo: 'A felicidade,' 'Frevo,' and 'O nosso amor.'" Agostinho dos Santos sings "A felicidade" during the opening credits of the movie, accompanied by Roberto Menescal on guitar. The film won the Palme d'Or at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival and the 1960 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, bringing worldwide attention to Jobim, Moraes, and the bossa nova movement. 


Year:
2015
2:51
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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 cai 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 
A felicidade é como a pluma 
Que o vento vai levando pelo are 
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 como o dia 
Oferecendo beijos de amor 
Tristeza não tem fim 
Felicidade sim

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Vinícius de Moraes

Marcus Vinícius da Cruz e Mello Moraes (19 October 1913 – 9 July 1980), better known as Vinícius de Moraes (Portuguese pronunciation: [viˈnisjuʒ dʒi moˈɾajʃ]) and nicknamed O Poetinha ("The little poet"), was a Brazilian poet, diplomat, lyricist, essayist, musician, singer, and playwright. With his frequent and diverse musical partners, including Antônio Carlos Jobim, his lyrics and compositions were instrumental in the birth and introduction to the world of bossa nova music. He recorded numerous albums, many in collaboration with noted artists, and also served as a successful Brazilian career diplomat. more »

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Written by: Tom Jobim, Vinicius De Moraes

Lyrics © Tratore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Origins
"A Felicidade" is a song composed by two Brazilian legends - Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes.
Year of Release
This song was first introduced in 1959 and has since become an icon in Brazilian music.
Film Connection
"A Felicidade" was originally composed for the French-Brazilian film "Orfeu Negro" (Black Orpheus), a retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice set in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval.
Song Theme
The lyrics of "A Felicidade" express happiness as a fragile, fleeting realty, reflecting the metaphorical message of the film.
International Coverage
This song has been covered many times by artists from different countries, extending its popularity outside Brazil.
Awards
The soundtrack for "Orfeu Negro", contributed by Jobim and Moraes, won the Palme d'Or for Best Film at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival.
Lyrics Author
Vinícius de Moraes, also known as "o Poetinha" (the little poet), wrote the lyrics for "A Felicidade".
Work Relation of Authors
Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes, often collaborated in their compositions, they became iconic figures in the Bossa Nova style of music.
Melody Composer
Antônio Carlos Jobim, one of the most important songwriters of the 20th century, contributed the melody for "A Felicidade".
Song Language
"A Felicidade" is sung in Portuguese, like most works of Jobim and Moraes.
Versatility
"A Felicidade" is performed in various styles, including samba and Bossa Nova, reflecting the versatility of the song.
Legacy
The song continues to be a vital part of Brazilian music history and is frequently performed at music festivals and events in Brazil and around the world.

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