Tourada
Ary Dos Santos
Bullfighting as a Metaphor for Life's Struggles
Ary Dos Santos' song 'Tourada' uses the imagery of a bullfight to explore themes of struggle, resilience, and societal critique. The bullfight, a traditional and often controversial spectacle, serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition. The lyrics describe a scene where people face challenges ('the beasts') together, emphasizing solidarity and mutual support. The line 'Toureamos ombro a ombro / As feras' (We fight shoulder to shoulder / The beasts) suggests that life's difficulties are best faced collectively, rather than individually.
The song also critiques various societal elements that enter the 'arena.' The mention of 'guizos chocas e capotes' (bells, rattles, and capes) and 'espadas chifres e derrotes' (swords, horns, and defeats) symbolizes the different tools and obstacles people encounter. The inclusion of 'poetas' (poets) and 'cravos' (carnations) adds a layer of cultural and artistic reference, indicating that even in the face of adversity, creativity and beauty persist. The repeated phrase 'Entram' (They enter) followed by various characters and elements highlights the chaotic and multifaceted nature of society.
The song's climax, 'Nós vamos pegar o mundo / Pelos cornos da desgraça' (We will grab the world / By the horns of misfortune), is a call to action. It encourages listeners to confront their challenges head-on and transform sorrow into joy. This message of resilience is further reinforced by the imagery of 'bandarilhas de esperança' (barbed sticks of hope) used to drive away the 'fera' (beast). The song ends on a somewhat cynical note, with the 'intelligent' declaring that 'acabaram as canções' (the songs are over), perhaps suggesting a disillusionment with the current state of affairs but also leaving room for interpretation and reflection.
'Tourada' is a rich tapestry of metaphors and social commentary, urging listeners to face life's battles with courage and unity while remaining critical of societal norms and structures.