“Chega de Saudade” (1956)

Generally considered to be the first bossa nova song, “Chega de Saudade” (known as “No More Blues” in English, but a more literal translation of the title would be something like “Enough Nostalgia” or “Enough Longing”) was composed by Tom Jobim with lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes, like “Girl from Ipanema” and many other bossa nova songs. The first recorded version was by Elizeth Cardoso (with the “sad boy” lyrics changed to “sad girl” ones). The most iconic version of the song is the one by João Gilberto, but there are hundreds of other cover versions, instrumental and with words.

Listen to Elizeth Cardoso’s version
Listen to João Gilberto’s version

“Enough Longing”
Go, my sadness
And tell her that it’s impossible without her
Ask her in a prayer
To come back
Because I can’t suffer anymore
Enough longing
The reality is that without her there’s no peace
There’s no beauty, there’s only sadness and melancholy
That she shouldn’t go away from me
Don’t go away from me, don’t go

But if she comes back, if she comes back, what a beautiful thing, what a crazy thing
Because there are fewer fish swimming in the sea
Than the kisses I will place on her lips

In my arms the hugs
There must be millions of tight hugs like this
Stuck together like this, quiet like this
Hugs and kisses
And caresses without end
Which are to end this business
Of you not living with me

I don’t want any more of this deal
Where you’re far from me

I don’t want any more of this deal
Of you living without me