Tiro Ao Álvaro (feat. Elis Regina)

Adoniran Barbosa's song 'Tiro Ao Álvaro,' featuring the iconic Elis Regina, is a poignant and humorous exploration of the power of a lover's gaze. The lyrics are rich with metaphors, comparing the impact of a beloved's look to various lethal forces. The repeated phrase 'De tanto levar frechada do teu olhar' (From taking so many arrows from your gaze) sets the tone for the song, suggesting that the protagonist's heart has been repeatedly struck by the piercing looks of their lover.

The central metaphor of the song is the comparison of the protagonist's chest to a 'Táubua de tiro ao Álvaro' (a shooting target board), emphasizing that there are no more places left to be hit. This vivid imagery conveys the idea that the protagonist has been so overwhelmed by their lover's gaze that they are emotionally exhausted and vulnerable. The use of 'frechada' (arrows) further intensifies the sense of being under constant attack, albeit in a romantic context.

Barbosa's lyrics also employ hyperbole to highlight the deadly nature of the lover's gaze. By stating that the gaze 'mata mais do que bala de carabina' (kills more than a carbine bullet) and 'que veneno estricnina' (than strychnine poison), the song humorously exaggerates the emotional impact of love. This hyperbolic language serves to underscore the intensity of the protagonist's feelings and the almost unbearable power of their lover's eyes. The song's playful yet profound exploration of love's emotional toll is a testament to Barbosa's lyrical genius and his ability to blend humor with heartfelt sentiment.

The collaboration with Elis Regina adds another layer of depth to the song. Regina's emotive voice complements Barbosa's storytelling, bringing the lyrics to life and enhancing the song's emotional resonance. Together, they create a timeless piece that captures the bittersweet nature of love and the enduring impact of a lover's gaze.