Camisa Listrada

Assis Valente's song 'Camisa Listrada' is a vibrant and playful narrative that captures the essence of Brazilian Carnival and the spirit of rebellion. The protagonist of the song dons a striped shirt and embarks on a whimsical adventure, breaking away from societal norms and expectations. Instead of engaging in the refined activity of having tea and toast, he opts for the more rustic and rebellious act of drinking 'parati,' a type of Brazilian cane liquor. This choice symbolizes a rejection of conventional behavior and an embrace of a more carefree and festive lifestyle.

The lyrics also describe the protagonist carrying a knife in his belt and a tambourine in his hand, further emphasizing his readiness for both self-defense and celebration. The repeated phrase 'sossega leão' (calm down, lion) suggests that the protagonist's behavior is both alarming and amusing to onlookers. This duality highlights the tension between societal expectations and individual freedom, a common theme in Carnival celebrations where people often dress in costumes and adopt alter egos to express parts of themselves that are usually suppressed.

The song also delves into the protagonist's playful and irreverent actions, such as using household items for unconventional purposes. He takes a hot water bottle to use as a pacifier and tears down a velvet curtain to make a skirt. These actions are not just acts of rebellion but also of creativity and resourcefulness, embodying the improvisational spirit of Carnival. The climax of the song describes the protagonist dressing up as Antonieta and dancing at the Bola Preta, a famous Carnival bloco in Rio de Janeiro, until sunrise. This final image encapsulates the joy, freedom, and transformative power of Carnival, where social norms are temporarily upended, and everyone is free to be whoever they want to be.