Louca
Alice Caymmi
The Madness of Love: A Deep Dive into Alice Caymmi's 'Louca'
Alice Caymmi's song 'Louca' delves into the intense and often irrational nature of love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who is deeply and passionately in love, to the point where others perceive her as 'crazy.' This perception stems from her willingness to forgive, return, and remain devoted to her lover despite the emotional turmoil and sacrifices involved. The repeated phrase 'dizem que sou louca' (they say I'm crazy) underscores the societal judgment she faces for her unwavering commitment.
The song explores themes of control and surrender. The protagonist acknowledges that her actions and thoughts are heavily influenced by her lover, suggesting a loss of autonomy. This dynamic is evident in lines like 'Que meus movimentos estão dirigidos / Por seus pensamentos' (That my movements are directed / By your thoughts). Despite this, she finds solace and identity in her lover's presence, as expressed in 'Porque tua pele é minha morada / Junto a mim me sinto outra' (Because your skin is my home / With you, I feel like another person).
Caymmi's lyrics also touch on the idea of love as a form of madness or delirium. The protagonist embraces this 'madness,' preferring it over a life without her lover. This is encapsulated in the lines 'Prefiro que me chamem louca / E que prossiga a minha loucura / Para sempre estar contigo' (I prefer they call me crazy / And that my madness continues / To always be with you). The song ultimately portrays a love that defies logic and societal norms, celebrating the profound and sometimes irrational nature of true devotion.