O Corpo É Que Paga

António Variações' song 'O Corpo É Que Paga' delves into the consequences of our mental and emotional states on our physical well-being. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize that when the mind is reckless or overwhelmed, it is the body that ultimately suffers. This theme is introduced right from the beginning with the line 'Quando a cabeça não tem juízo' (When the head has no sense), suggesting that poor mental decisions lead to physical repercussions. The song's refrain, 'O corpo é que paga' (The body is what pays), reinforces this idea, making it clear that our physical health is often the price we pay for our mental and emotional indulgences.

The song also explores the idea of self-inflicted suffering. Variações sings about how the body endures 'privações, mutilações' (privations, mutilations) when the mind is trapped by frustrations and inhibitions. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for how internal struggles manifest physically, whether through stress, anxiety, or other forms of mental anguish. The lyrics 'Quando a cabeça está convencida / De que ela é a oitava maravilha' (When the head is convinced / That it is the eighth wonder) further illustrate the dangers of arrogance and self-delusion, suggesting that overconfidence can lead to physical harm.

The song's repetitive structure and the use of phrases like 'Deix'ó pagar' (Let it pay) and 'Deix'ó sofrer' (Let it suffer) add a layer of resignation and acceptance. Variações seems to be acknowledging that while these consequences are inevitable, there is a certain freedom in allowing oneself to experience them fully. The final lines, 'Deix'ó gritar deix'ó gritar / Se te estás a libertar' (Let it scream, let it scream / If you are freeing yourself), suggest that there is a cathartic release in expressing and confronting these physical manifestations of mental and emotional turmoil.