Zoar

Badi Assad's song 'Zoar' is a poignant exploration of the desire for freedom and the disillusionment with the constraints of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of animals in a zoo, each one symbolizing different aspects of confinement and loss. The penguin without its tuxedo, the seal with its tongue on ice, and the sad elephants all represent beings out of their natural state, stripped of their essence and joy. This imagery sets the stage for a broader commentary on the human condition, where the zoo becomes a metaphor for societal constraints and the yearning to break free from them.

The refrain 'Zôo, vou mas quero voar' (Zoo, I go but I want to fly) encapsulates the central theme of the song. It reflects a deep-seated desire to transcend the limitations imposed by the environment, whether they are physical, emotional, or societal. The animals' behaviors—like the hyena that no longer laughs and the fox that only dares to adorn itself—highlight the unnaturalness of their situations, mirroring how people often feel trapped in roles or expectations that stifle their true selves.

Badi Assad's use of animals to convey these themes is both powerful and relatable. The image of camels deserting in the Paris-Dakar rally and snakes avoiding Adam and Eve adds layers of cultural and historical references, suggesting that the struggle for freedom and authenticity is a timeless and universal one. The song's closing lines about the rotten apple spreading poison to the crowd serve as a stark warning about the dangers of losing one's essence and the impact it can have on the collective well-being. Through 'Zoar,' Assad invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the ways in which they might seek to 'fly' beyond their own personal 'zoos.'