20 SEC READING: The lady in Copacabana

by Paulo Coelho on May 12, 2011

EM PORTUGUES CLICAR AQUI: A velha em Copacabana
EN ESPANOL CLICAR AQUI: La señora en Copacabana

 
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She was standing on the sidewalk of Atlântica Avenue with a guitar and a hand-written sign that said:
“Let’s sing together.”

She began to play alone.
Then a drunk arrived, then another old lady and they began to sing along with her.
In a short time a small crowd was singing together and another small crowd played the audience, clapping hands at the end of each number.

“Why do you do this?” I asked between songs.

“I don’t want to be alone,” she said. “My life is very lonely, just like almost all old people.”

I wish they all could solve their problems in this way.
 
 
 
 

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{ 141 comments… read them below or add one }

Pps Chawla May 26, 2011 at 3:34 pm

While in loneliness, sometimes there is a detachment from the World and one wonders what is this all about.But if someone is having proficiency in any creative field and he can utilize this loneliness for a new creation it may work wonders.

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Pps Chawla May 26, 2011 at 3:32 pm

While in loneliness, sometimes there is a detachment from the World and one wonders what is this all about.But if someone is having proficiency in any creative field and he can utilize this loneliness for a new creation it may work wonder.

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claudia May 15, 2011 at 10:20 pm

in the past, when i was young i livex witlh a man for several years. I lost all my friends, because he was more important to me. After 8 years we finished the relationship and i was alone. I started to work a lot. I had new friwnds only to go out. Men were only interested in me as a woman and i wanted to have friendships. Woman were to complicated and to much involved in their running relationship. So i was for many years really very very alone. My friends were sports and books. When i was in the movie theater i saw people together but never got in contact with them. Especially woman were very gellous, that their men would get in touch with me. I know from experirnce that when a woman or a man looks better then the norm it is hard to find friends!

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isabel May 14, 2011 at 6:34 pm

ATÉ ALGUNS ANOS ATRÁS,EU ERA UMA PESSOA SÓSINHA,APÓS PERDER UM FILHO DE 24 ANOS,TUDO PARECIA ESCAPAR DE MINHAS MÃOS E ENTREGUEI-ME A SOLIDÃO,NADA ME ALEGRAVA,VIVI ATÉ O FUNDO DO POCO,DEVAGAR FUI RECUPERANDO AS FORCAS,MAS O CORACÃO DOIA MUITO,AÍ ENCONTREI UM GRUPO DA TERCEIRA IDADE,COM ELES COMECEI MUITO LENTAMENTE, A CANTAR,E CONHECI PESSOAS BEM MAIS VELHAS QUE EU QUE VIVEM INTENSAMENTE CADA DIA,COMO SE FOSSE O ÚLTIMO,DESCOBRI COM ELES QUE NÃO ESTAVA MAIS SÓSINHA, QUE MINHA VIDA AGORA ESTAVA APENAS COMECANDO.COMO É BOM VIVER.

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THELMA May 14, 2011 at 5:37 am

Last night we went to the theater: ‘Shirley Valentine’!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqQSBqsrsEI&feature=related

I had seen the film back in 1989. A wonderfully … pedagogical, realistic story of an … ORDINARY woman!!! Shirley Valentine was my … heroin back then! She has helped me in becoming Thelma … Philippidou again and remember who I really am! Since then, I do not … forget it!
Sometimes though still, I find it difficult to .. converse with the ..WALL! ;-))
LOVE,
Thelma xxx

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kealan May 14, 2011 at 12:54 am

I will have to start playing guitar I think.

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Fay May 13, 2011 at 6:23 pm

Un seul etre vous manque et le monde est depeuple.

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Ramraj May 13, 2011 at 5:52 pm

People who want to be forced to enjoy because of external factors would end up so! No one seems to pay attention to the voice inside always speaking and guiding you to a state of ultimate happiness. If its a crowd one likes, then the person as old as it is described here has not yet discovered many truths.

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Punita Saxena May 13, 2011 at 5:04 pm

There are times when we all feel lonely. But how many times do we have the courage to fight that loneliness. Most of the times we just sulk and crib. Why is it that we want to bring about a change but do not have the guts to initiate the change.

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Amal Chaudhuri May 13, 2011 at 5:02 pm

Loneliness must not be confused with aloneness. Every human being, young or old, cherish to be physically alone at some time or other for enjoying and sinking in the unique flavour and hues of life, which vary from individual to individual. Feeling of loneliness on the other hand is terribly depressing and is possible even when remaining surrounded by hundreds.Its the mindset that holds the key.

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Amal Chaudhuri May 13, 2011 at 5:01 pm

Lonelyness must not be confused with aloneness. Every human being, young or old, cherish to be physically alone at some time or other for enjoying and sinking in the unique flavour and hues of life, which vary from individual to individual. Feeling of loneliness on the other hand is terribly depressing and is possible even when remaining surrounded by hundreds.Its the mindset that holds the key.

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Afagh Rahmani May 13, 2011 at 4:00 pm

In some nationalities singing is not good enough for an old woman to decrease her loneliness. They prefer to praying for people who are involved to care and home them.I think the problem is that when we`re young we take it as a permanent time when we get old is too late to make a plan for loneliness. It sounds be better to have some scheme , preferentially global but depend on culture and believes to support them better. Spreading the culture of respecting to old people, is a smaller plan to solve and the last solution as I mind is the best I think : Keeping our intimate friends around till we will be called to go….

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Gabriela Romaria May 13, 2011 at 2:01 pm

Hello dear friends, I have seen all your comments here and I am impressed! How can we be lone when we are SO MANY! :) And think a little, we are being really blessed to can meet all of us here on PAULO’s BLOG and talk to him! Are we privillaged and we don’t know it yet? I think so because yes, like most of you, I also feel sometimes alone but if I sing, it takes away all the feeling I had and brings me joy… also paintings does that for me and DANCING… that is why I would like to invite you ALL TO COME AND dance WITH ME ON MY VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE! I HOPE THAT I WILL HAVE TIME TO MAKE A VIDEO WITH ME DANCING FOR PAULO’S COMPETITION… not sure yet, I will try. Bye bye dear friends.. love you!

By the way, the painting I have painted for PAULO , his portrait, it is being shown now for a week at THE CLIFF PAVILION, where I take part to an Exhibition along 36 other artist from Essex, mainly Southend on Sea – THE WESTCLIFF ART TRIAL.
I would like to invite you all to come and watch it.. :) He is so glorious, even in a simple painting like the one I have done, He is shining! bys bye love you, Gabriela Romaria

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marieannayarap May 13, 2011 at 11:21 am

sing for a joy and let depression fades away

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Marie-Christine May 13, 2011 at 10:01 am

Singular.

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Saga May 13, 2011 at 9:46 am

A story of a brave woman. How many of us dare to do the same? What are we so afraid of? Why does everybody want to do the same when we hear the story, but none of us dare to be the first to sing?
We have so much potential, so I think that if we all (starting with me) were a little less serious and gave up a little of our time each day to express our emotions to others, the world would be a nicer and more understanding place.

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Alexandra May 13, 2011 at 9:17 am

Wonderful idea. Thanks to Liina I wrote an essay about Estonian people, called also The singing nation…got an A. I love singing, so I am sure everybody do like to sing is a good hearted person…LOve to you all

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Leonila May 13, 2011 at 9:39 am

very nice food for thought, Paulo.

Iryna May 13, 2011 at 10:33 am

I don’t think, that in so huge world we can be alone. Wherever U go , whenever U Go -Lord and your Angel foolow U.So the question is can U recognize their presences in other strangers, in blue sky , in sun’s smile , in wind’s touchings…

P. Antunes May 13, 2011 at 8:30 am

Elle était assise sur la promenade de l’avenue Atlântica avec une guitare et une inscription à la main qui disait « Chantons ensemble ».

Elle commença à jouer seule.
Arriva alors un ivrogne, puis une vielle dame et ils se mirent à chanter avec elle.
En peu de temps, une petite foule chantait ensemble et un autre petit groupe jouait le rôle de public, tapant dans les mains à la fin de chaque chanson.

« Pourquoi fais-tu ça ? » Lui ais-je demandé entre les chansons.
« Je ne veux pas être seule » dit-elle. « Ma vie est très solitaire, presque comme toutes les personnes âgées »

J’espère qu’ils ont pu tous résoudre leurs problèmes de cette façon.

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reshmi sen sarma May 13, 2011 at 7:10 am

i m equally lonely like the with of portobello——all i wish is to get the strengh to be like maria of eleven minutes–n njy life like anything anf follow tru wiccanism

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Ric Nagualero May 13, 2011 at 7:08 am

That just has to be the smartest and bravest way I have ever heard someone getting rid of solitude :-)

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Sunaina May 13, 2011 at 10:26 am

Here , Solitude might not be right word; it is lonlyness that people want to get rid off.

Solitude – Loneliness is marked by a sense of isolation. Solitude, on the other hand, is a state of being alone without being lonely and can lead to self-awareness.

Solitude is a positive word and I don’t think anybody will want to get rid of it. Its very calm and peaceful state of mind.

lata sharma May 13, 2011 at 4:42 am

Being alone is a psychological issue none is alone as we are always surrounded with our dreams . If you have a dream or purpose in life then definitely you are not alone . Dreams should not be related or concerned with others may be partner or children it should be related with oneself with one’s soul only then can one not be alone.
SO TO NEVER BE ALONE NEVER GIVE UP DREAMING AS DREAMS WILL BE FULFILLED . IF NOT TODAY THEN TOMORROW AND IF NOT TOMORROW FCERTAINLY IN THIS OR SOME OTHER LIFE . AS THE TIME TO FULFILL THAT DREAM

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jpsundriyal May 15, 2011 at 8:22 am

Feeling loneliness is not when you are alone ,it can be felt by a particular person while he is surrounded by people too … this is the mindset too which matters ….!!

Tutti Rivero May 13, 2011 at 4:06 am

Eso es Copacabana,la princesita del mar…Ahora entiendo la magia deste lugar;despues de haver vivido ahi por 3 meses (recien nos cambiamos a nuestro depto.)Hasta mi perrita sintio la falta de la falta de limites al mirar el mar.Pero ahora miramos al Cristo y el verde…
Ah,la otra forma de solucionar la soledad,tambien la encontraron en Copa – deve de ser la mayor concentracion de perros por m2. despues de New York;y todos se llevan muy bien,en perfecta democracia,dueños y perros!
Gracias Copacabana!

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Felipe Santos May 13, 2011 at 2:42 am

The true writers have to analyse the society where they live; and naturally they like it.
The way you watch is wonderful, especially the simple details.

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Juvy Junasa May 13, 2011 at 1:26 am

I remember my parents, wish i could spend more time with them as they grow and give them back the love they gave me. But, i can’t, I’m working far from them but i make sure to call them and show them that i love them. Really music has its way of soothing someones soul. When i felt alone and sad i always end up listening to music and it makes me feel good.

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Gypsy Lee May 13, 2011 at 1:17 am

I wish there were a lady like that at every corner. Like that, there would be a lot less lonely people out there. She cures not only her loneliness but that of others too.
Thanks for sharing.

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Pandora May 13, 2011 at 1:10 am

When I am lonely I howl at the moon …

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suha May 13, 2011 at 1:01 am

i too Wish…

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Rishabh Bhasin May 13, 2011 at 12:48 am

Very beautiful

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Manish Rai May 12, 2011 at 11:56 pm

I wish I could join too !!
love and light !!

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babs keyner May 12, 2011 at 11:01 pm

My dear mother used to love company and people, yet she sometimes spent time alone. I am sure that she is happy now in the heavens above amongst all the old friends and family -unfortunate for us, but good for her- more people all the time.

What I would like to share with you in the last minutes of my Birthday, is a small miracle that took place this morning when I was at home. The radio was softly playing around 9.30 a lovely song, which had been my mum’s favorite. She used to humm to it and dance to it elegantly while cooking.
We played it at her funeral in 2007; ‘Love’s Theme.’
I had not heard it since.
Until this morning at my 55th birthday it poured into my livingroom, filling me with so much thankfulness and knowing that she was there … with me …

Tonight after dinner a few guests stood on the balcony and called me out to watch seven minutes of an incredible rainbow. Full arch and full spectre of colors.
Wall to wall of my part of town.

It has been a miraculous day.
I am sure my mum had a great day up there with lots of co-conspirers that were probably celebrating with her.
Good for her!

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Jo May 13, 2011 at 12:58 pm

That is so lovely, Babs. I’m absolutely she was there with you, wanting you to feel her presence. So special xxx

ajith May 13, 2011 at 4:08 pm

very nice to read this.every persons are alone in their own ways,each persons are wishing to spread their thoughts to others

jpsundriyal May 15, 2011 at 8:40 am

great feeling of love and emotions, love and faith has power and bondings….admirable feeling of feeling her presence all the time,like you feel presence of GOD.

CG May 12, 2011 at 10:45 pm

This is, what came into my mind at once:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egwARrX1ik8

I hope it will work.

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kasia bajdo May 12, 2011 at 10:44 pm

its beautiful,truly

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Daniel May 12, 2011 at 10:27 pm

With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

from When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple
Editd by Sandra Martz

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sueli terezinha cavalcante May 12, 2011 at 10:59 pm

Maravilhosa interpretação,parabéns…

Helen May 13, 2011 at 8:09 am

Perfect ! Lets all wear purple NOW !!

Lovenish Ruhela May 12, 2011 at 10:01 pm

simple story yet it says a lot..drunk singing with the lady shows tht u hv 2 b a lil courageous to do fun things..old woman shows that she was lonely at sme pnt f time n knwing the pain first hand she wanted to chnge it 4 d lady singing..but d audience tells us about the people who wnts 2 b happy but r nt brave enough 2 try new or diffrnt thngs in lyf…
dats wat d story tells me… :)

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Lynne Billingham May 12, 2011 at 10:23 pm

I like your interpretation Lovenish.If the singers could drown my voice I would join in too.

Sohail May 13, 2011 at 8:49 am

I second Billingham, nice interpretation

Thiago Nunes May 12, 2011 at 9:49 pm

Parado ou em movimento quando se age (agir) muitas coisas acontecem. Vamos a Santiago 2011!

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Vue May 12, 2011 at 9:43 pm

Oh no> music not available in S Africa yet!
I have just created notes in my head…
This is so beautiful..

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Hana May 12, 2011 at 9:42 pm

it is very sad story with happy end, being alone is one of the worst thing, it makes me very sad, when I think about my mum who is one of the lonely people now as I am working in the UK and don’t even know if I will get back at least for christmas…..I have also boyfriend on oposite site of the world and the most difficult will be to make a decision to go live with him or stay closer home in case there will not be any other option…..Why life must be so complicated?

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Charles May 13, 2011 at 3:13 am

It’s not complicated, we all have lessons to learn and once we understand that then the journey doesn’t seem as hard.

Monika May 12, 2011 at 9:40 pm

Today lonely people twitter in net. Singing in the street would be surely a good alternative.

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Sybilla Bader May 12, 2011 at 9:38 pm

World is sound, Life is sound, Love is sound and ALL is made by the sound of GOD.
So music made with heart brings the worlds and the Heart of any Being together.

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eileen May 12, 2011 at 9:19 pm

we all have problems and at one point we feel alone..but yes music can transport us to where we like to go or be. love this

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C.A.R. May 12, 2011 at 9:07 pm

Beautiful story, as always.
Alone and loneliness are very different feelings, some of us need others around us and some of us don’t, and in both cases it could be good or bad.

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rosa de los vientos May 12, 2011 at 9:03 pm

Yo me apunto para que se resuelvan de esta manera. A veces simplemente con echarle imaginación se crea una situación inesperada.
Gracias Paulo son historias inspiradoras

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