Cansaço means 'tiredness' or 'fatigue'. It's a powerful noun that describes a deep physical or mental weariness, often associated with struggle or effort.
In the context of the song, Calema sings, "Vença o cansaço, porque o melhor está p'ra vir!" (Overcome the tiredness, because the best is yet to come!). This line uses cansaço to represent the struggles and weariness one faces in life, encouraging listeners to push through and find hope. It's a relatable and inspiring word that captures the song's uplifting message.
“Tempo” is an uplifting pep talk wrapped in a smooth, feel-good melody. Calema reminds us that life is a winding road filled with lonely stretches and moments when giving up seems tempting, yet every step we take is being carefully stored by time. The lyrics compare setbacks to clouds that briefly hide the sky; sooner or later, time clears them away and reveals that blue horizon you have been chasing. In other words, nothing you do is wasted – your efforts, dreams, and even your stumbles will circle back to reward you.
The chorus works like a friendly echo: “O tempo vai devolver” (“Time will give it back”). Whenever fear whispers “you can’t,” the song counters with a burst of encouragement. It urges listeners to trust their inner light, face challenges head-on, and let time carry away fatigue while bringing future victories closer. “Tempo” is ultimately a rhythmic reminder that perseverance plus patience equals eventual triumph – so keep walking, because the best is yet to come!
Calema are a duo of two brothers, António and Fradique Mendes Ferreira, from São Tomé and Príncipe who are now based in Portugal. Their name refers to the powerful swell of the ocean along the African coast.
After winning a national music competition back home in 2008, the brothers moved to Portugal to study and build their careers, and they were soon championed by the singer Anselmo Ralph. Blending kizomba, zouk and Afro-pop, their warm, romantic sound has made them one of the most popular acts singing in Portuguese. "A Nossa Vez" became a huge hit, ending 2017 as the most-watched non-Brazilian Portuguese-language music video on YouTube and going on to gather tens of millions of views. Today they are celebrated across the Portuguese-speaking world for their heartfelt love songs.