O Real Resiste

Arnaldo Antunes' song 'O Real Resiste' is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of contemporary society, masked as illusions or nightmares that we hope will pass. The repeated assertion that various forms of oppression and violence 'do not exist' serves as a stark irony, highlighting the denial and minimization of these issues. By listing authoritarianism, xenophobia, and other societal ills alongside mythical creatures like witches and vampires, Antunes underscores the absurdity of pretending these problems are mere figments of our imagination.

The refrain 'O real resiste' (The real resists) is a poignant reminder that despite our attempts to dismiss or ignore these harsh truths, they persist. The song suggests that these issues are not just temporary nightmares but are deeply ingrained in our reality. The use of metaphors like 'smoke from a firework' and 'the roar of thunder' evokes the fleeting nature of illusions, contrasting sharply with the enduring nature of the real problems being addressed.

Antunes' lyrical style is both poetic and confrontational, urging listeners to wake up from the 'illusion' and face the real issues head-on. The song's structure, with its repetitive denials followed by the stark reality, creates a sense of urgency and calls for action. By juxtaposing modern societal issues with mythical horrors, Antunes effectively communicates the gravity and persistence of these problems, urging us to recognize and resist them.