Uma letra sobre depressão e juventude? A história de... "HÁ TEMPOS" (Legião Urbana)

Summary

This video delves into the creation of 'Há Tempos' from Legião Urbana's *As Quatro Estações*, revealing seven intriguing facts behind the song. From its early composition struggles to its thematic exploration of youth, pain, and personal growth, the video uncovers the creative challenges and philosophical depth that shaped the track. Key insights include the song’s surprising success despite its unconventional structure, its influence of personal experiences, and its blend of poetic lyricism with social and emotional themes, offering a compelling narrative about artistic transformation and introspection.

Takeaways

• 😀 The song 'Há Tempos' was one of the first lyrics to be completed for the album 'As Quatro Estações', which faced long delays due to a creative crisis with the lead singer, Renato Russo.
• 😀 'Há Tempos' was strategically chosen as the opening track to signal the band's transformation, marking a shift from politically charged songs to a more introspective and lighter style.
• 😀 The song 'Há Tempos' was the first single released from 'As Quatro Estações' and became a hit, surprising many due to its unconventional structure and poetic lyrics.
• 😀 The absence of a traditional chorus in 'Há Tempos' was considered risky, but the song resonated deeply with listeners despite its complex and metaphorical lyrics.
• 😀 'Há Tempos' addresses themes of depression, isolation, and emotional pain, with particular emphasis on the struggles faced by young people.
• 😀 The phrase 'muitos temores nascem do cansaço e da solidão' (many fears arise from fatigue and loneliness) was inspired by a quote Renato Russo received from his cousin, found in a church in Europe.
• 😀 The phrase 'disciplina é liberdade' (discipline is freedom) was a reinterpretation of a quote from George Orwell's '1984', expressing the idea of self-discipline as a pathway to personal freedom.
• 😀 Some listeners accused the phrase 'disciplina é liberdade' of having fascist undertones, but Renato Russo clarified that he was referring to self-discipline, not political authoritarianism.
• 😀 The line 'lá em casa tem um poço, mas a água é muito limpa' (at home there’s a well, but the water is very clean) symbolizes unresolved issues and secrets in family life, with a deeper personal connection to Russo’s own family dynamics.
• 😀 Renato Russo often mixed personal autobiographical elements with broader themes of societal critique in his lyrics, as seen in 'Índios' and other songs from 'As Quatro Estações'.

Q & A

What is significant about the song *Há Tempos* in the context of *As Quatro Estações* album?

The song *Há Tempos* is significant because it was one of the first tracks to have its lyrics completed for *As Quatro Estações*. It helped set the tone for the album, marking a shift in the band's musical direction from politically charged songs to more introspective and lighter themes.

How did the recording process of *As Quatro Estações* contribute to the delayed release of the album?

The album took a long time to complete due to creative struggles, particularly with the lyrics. The band started recording in late 1988, but by mid-1989, only three songs had finished lyrics. This delay in writing contributed to the album's release being pushed to October 1989.

Why was *Há Tempos* chosen as the opening track of the album?

The song was chosen as the opening track to clearly signal a transformation in the band's sound. It represented a departure from the band's previous, more politically charged music, embracing a lighter and more introspective style, which was a major shift for the group.

What made *Há Tempos* surprising as the first single from the album?

*Há Tempos* was surprising as the first single because it did not follow conventional pop song structures, lacking a traditional chorus. Despite this, the song gained popularity due to its profound and poetic lyrics, resonating deeply with listeners.

What are the central themes explored in the lyrics of *Há Tempos*?

The lyrics of *Há Tempos* focus on themes like depression, personal pain, and disillusionment, particularly through the lens of youth. Renato Russo stated that the song encapsulated the overall themes of *As Quatro Estações*, expressing the struggles and emotional challenges of young people.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Muitos temores nascem do cansaço e da solidão' in the song?

The phrase 'Muitos temores nascem do cansaço e da solidão' (Many fears are born from exhaustion and loneliness) is significant as it was inspired by a letter Renato Russo received from his cousin, who found the phrase in a church in Europe. Russo later included it in the album's liner notes, deepening the personal and philosophical themes of the song.

How does Renato Russo interpret the phrase 'Disciplina é liberdade' in *Há Tempos*?

Renato Russo interprets 'Disciplina é liberdade' (Discipline is freedom) as a personal concept of self-discipline leading to freedom, contrary to any fascist interpretation. He explained that while the phrase might sound authoritarian, it refers to individual self-control and growth, not societal oppression.

What did Renato Russo mean by the metaphor of the well and clean water in the final verse of *Há Tempos*?

In the final verse of *Há Tempos*, Renato Russo uses the metaphor of a well with clean water to represent personal growth and resolution of inner conflict. The clean water symbolizes clarity and resolution of past issues, particularly in his personal and family life.

How did Renato Russo's personal life influence the lyrics of *Há Tempos* and other songs?

Renato Russo often drew from his personal experiences in his songwriting, blending autobiographical elements with broader social and emotional themes. In *Há Tempos*, for example, the lyrics reflect his own struggles with loneliness and his relationships, particularly with his father, which is explored through metaphors like the well and clean water.

Why was Renato Russo accused of writing a fascist phrase with 'Disciplina é liberdade', and how did he respond?

Renato Russo was accused of writing a fascist phrase because of the line 'Disciplina é liberdade' (Discipline is freedom), which some interpreted as authoritarian. Russo responded by clarifying that he was referring to self-discipline in the context of personal freedom, not to societal control or fascism, emphasizing that discipline can lead to personal growth and liberation.