Inclassificáveis

Arnaldo Antunes' song 'Inclassificáveis' is a vibrant celebration of Brazil's rich cultural and racial diversity. The lyrics challenge the conventional categories of race and ethnicity, questioning the simplistic labels of 'black,' 'white,' and 'indigenous.' By repeating these terms in various orders, Antunes emphasizes the fluidity and complexity of identity, suggesting that no single label can capture the essence of a person or a community.

The song delves into the myriad of mixed identities that make up Brazilian society, listing terms like 'mestiços,' 'mulatos,' 'cafuzos,' and 'mamelucos.' These words represent the blending of different races and cultures, creating a tapestry of identities that defy classification. Antunes also introduces creative neologisms like 'orientupis' and 'yorubárbaros,' further illustrating the unique and unclassifiable nature of these identities. The repetition of 'Somos o que somos' (We are what we are) reinforces the idea that identity is self-defined and cannot be neatly categorized.

Antunes extends this theme of multiplicity beyond race and ethnicity to other aspects of life. Phrases like 'Não tem um, tem dois' (There isn't one, there are two) and 'Não tem Deus, tem deuses' (There isn't one God, there are gods) highlight the diversity of experiences, beliefs, and perspectives. The song suggests that embracing this diversity is essential to understanding the true nature of humanity. The recurring line 'Não há Sol a sós' (There is no Sun alone) serves as a metaphor for interconnectedness, implying that no individual or culture exists in isolation.

'Inclassificáveis' is a powerful anthem that celebrates the beauty of diversity and the richness of mixed identities. It challenges listeners to move beyond simplistic labels and embrace the complexity of human identity, recognizing that we are all part of a larger, interconnected mosaic.