How can love survive?

The song 'How Can Love Survive?' from the musical 'A Noviça Rebelde' (The Sound of Music) explores the ironic and paradoxical relationship between wealth and romantic love. Sung by the characters Elsa and Max, the lyrics delve into the idea that true love often thrives in adversity and struggle, while wealth and comfort can stifle genuine emotional connection. The song humorously contrasts the romanticized struggles of poor lovers with the seemingly mundane and unromantic lives of the wealthy.

Elsa and Max lament that their affluent lifestyles lack the dramatic challenges that often fuel passionate love stories. They point out that they don't have to worry about mortgages, share small shacks, or face the cold on public transportation. Instead, they live in luxury, with planes, yachts, and Rolls-Royces at their disposal. This abundance of material wealth, they suggest, leaves little room for the kind of love that is born out of hardship and shared struggle. The song uses witty and ironic lyrics to highlight the disconnect between their financial security and their desire for a deeper, more meaningful romantic connection.

The characters also reflect on how their wealth traps them in a different kind of struggle—one of maintaining their financial status and dealing with the complexities of their affluent lives. They acknowledge that while the poor have the leisure to focus on love ('toujours l'amour'), the rich are often too busy with their financial affairs to enjoy simple pleasures. Despite this, Elsa and Max express a determination to keep their romance alive, even if it means navigating the 'gold-plated chains' of their wealth. The song ultimately underscores the idea that love requires effort and commitment, regardless of one's financial situation, and that true romance can survive even in the most unlikely circumstances.