Canção de Alterne

Song Meaning

The lyrics present a stark duality, urging the listener to stop both crying and smiling with equal intensity. Initially, the narrator commands, "Pára de chorar" (Stop crying), dismissing fatalistic beliefs about destiny and astrological influence. The advice is to embrace self-care and assertiveness: "Carrega no batom / Abusa do verniz / Põe os pontos nos Is" (Put on lipstick / Abuse the polish / Dot the i's). This section suggests a rejection of external forces dictating happiness, asserting that even divine power doesn't predetermine who will be happy. The second movement pivots sharply, commanding, "Pára de sorrir" (Stop smiling). This isn't a call to sadness, but a warning against flaunting happiness, which the lyrics suggest can be perceived as "leviandade" (frivolity) or even offensive to those struggling. The narrator cautions that such unbridled joy might attract negative attention, like "ciúme e a inveja" (jealousy and envy), implying that happiness is precarious and can easily vanish, like "moeda / Sem reverso" (a coin / Without a reverse). The most striking craft element is this persistent, almost aggressive, imperative mood. The repetition of "Pára de..." (Stop...) creates a sense of urgency and internal conflict. The lyrics seem to grapple with the performance of emotion – both sorrow and joy can be seen as problematic. The narrator advises against both overt displays of despair and excessive outward happiness, suggesting a need for a more guarded or balanced emotional presentation. Ultimately, the effectiveness lies in this unsettling paradox. By telling the listener to stop both crying and smiling, the lyrics force a confrontation with the complexities of emotional expression and social perception. It’s not about suppressing feelings, but perhaps about navigating their outward manifestation in a world where both extremes can be met with judgment or misfortune. The final, repeated assertion that "Nem Deus tem o dom / De escolher quem vai ser feliz" (Not even God has the gift / Of choosing who will be happy) reinforces a sense of personal agency, albeit one that must be carefully managed.