“Mensagem de Amor” [A Love Message] For You

Never date an artist, but don’t be afraid of loving someone with all your heart. It might get bruised, hurt or even broken. Those are the risks. But what you’ll find on the other side of fear might be a long-lasting reward, even if it doesn’t last a lifetime. This is my love message inspired by Lucas Santtana’s “Mensagem de Amor” . 

Artist – LUCAS SANTTANA

Song – “Mensagem de Amor”

Album – Eletro Ben Dodô (2000)

Music artists know exactly what they’re doing when they serenade us with an acoustic guitar. That’s such a low blow. The first chords will get me immediately hooked, or better yet, hypnotised. That was precisely my reaction in front of the TV back in 2000 when I listened to “Mensagem de Amor” [Love Message], by Lucas Santtana, in Laços de Família. Besides the drama and tragic love stories, there’s something Brazilian telenovelas will always offer: a very well-curated and addictive soundtrack.

From all the telenovelas’ hits I’ve listened to and saved in my memory throughout the years, Lucas Santtana’s “Mensagem de Amor” immediately stands out. For the sake of accuracy, Herbert Vianna wrote the song and performed it first with his group, Paralamas do Sucesso. Theirs is a rock track, while Lucas Santtana opted for a bossa nova rendition. The result is just beautiful! I’d be proud of it if I were Vianna. Santtana recycled his song and handled it with so much care… and love.

Quick side note: “Mensagem de Amor” also sounds marvellously in the voice of the great Caetano Veloso.

An everlasting Love Message

I won’t attempt to define Love in this post. I assume you already have some experience in the topic, in its multiple variations: romantic love, brotherly love, familial love, and so forth. The trickiest and about which much ink has been spilt throughout the ages seems to be the first one.

Nonetheless, any form of love is meant to be treasured and nurtured. Otherwise, the relationship will fall apart. Taking Love for granted is perhaps the gravest mistake we’re bound to make in our lifetime and for which we’ll pay dearly.

Therefore, I respect and cherish Love. Its hold on our feelings is unmatched, often disconcerting, and even scary. Fear is perhaps Love’s nemesis, being almost as powerful and disruptive. Its effects, however, are far more catastrophic. Case in point: wars – they all reek of fear of loss of power and control.

Lucas Santanna’s “Mensagem de Amor” and an impromptu lecture on Love

But let us focus on Love and Lucas Santtana’s “Mensagem de Amor” for a minute or two. As Love itself, the lyrics are rather simple. Yes, Love is supposed to be uncomplicated, not the unbearable trial we make of it. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t expect less from us as complex and flawed beings. It seems that unnecessary suffering is second nature to us, and, strangely, we’re not ready to give it up. If we did, how would poems, declarations of love, and romance look like?

Once Love envelops our senses and oxytocin starts running amok through our system, we yearn for all the feelings and emotions it creates to last forever. We may even reconsider self-imposed red lines to get what/whom we want. But beware, in that case: that’s like being on the edge of a precipice and believing Happiness is just a jump away. Never date an artist and avoid the irresistible temptation to take that perilous jump.

However, plot twist, even if you don’t date an artist, your heart might still end up broken. Your feelings will never be entirely safe unless you stop interacting with human beings. There’s no workaround, shortcuts, or secret recipe. Your heart will get bruised and hurt, and you might feel inexplicable shooting pains. But that’s just life and the gamble you take by experiencing it. The positive side is that a good heartbreak will get your heart pumping again like a teenager’s. Just do your best to manage the blues.

So, is it worth it to search for Love?

Of course, it is! I even go as far as saying that everyone gets a one-time-only hall pass to date an artist. As I said before, artists’ creativity thrives on drama, which means someone must be the sacrificial lamb to unlock their untapped talent. I strongly advise against making that sacrifice, but if you decide to go ahead anyway, your services you’ll be highly appreciated by music fans worldwide. Rest assured that your suffering and misfortune will not be in vain, and we’ll make sure to sing along when your artist releases the most beautiful song about you.

To sum up, my Love Message for you is never to date an artist (obviously), but don’t be afraid of loving someone with all your heart. It might get bruised, hurt or even broken. Those are the risks. But what you’ll find on the other side of fear might be a long-lasting reward, even if it doesn’t last a lifetime.

I don’t know who needs to hear this but…

You’ll never feel more alive than when you’re in love. Suddenly, nothing else matters but the urge and need to be with that special person, bathe in their magical aura, have their scent close to your nostrils, and observe the reflection of your feelings on their face. Lucas Santtana’s “Mensagem de Amor” expresses this so poignantly that it almost makes me cry.

Love, fall in love, be in love, and enjoy life. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but Happiness suits you. May the melody and lyrics of “Mensagem de Amor” inspire you to attain bliss this year… and beyond!

(If you don’t read Portuguese, you can find a translation into English here).

Do you also have a love message you’d like to share? Then do it in the comments below.