Taxi Boy (Garoto de Aluguel)
Belchior
The Price of Love: A Journey Through 'Taxi Boy (Garoto de Aluguel)' by Belchior
Belchior's song 'Taxi Boy (Garoto de Aluguel)' delves into the complex and often dark world of transactional relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who sells his company and affection for money, highlighting the emotional detachment and the commodification of love. The protagonist's request for money and material possessions in exchange for his time underscores the transactional nature of the relationship, stripping it of any genuine emotional connection.
The song's protagonist is acutely aware of the superficiality of his profession, describing it as 'suja e vulgar' (dirty and vulgar). This self-awareness adds a layer of melancholy to the narrative, as he acknowledges the emptiness of his actions. The line 'Guarde seu amor que dele não preciso' (Keep your love, I don't need it) further emphasizes his emotional detachment, suggesting that love has no place in his world of transactions. The metaphor of a 'caramelo que chegasse ao fim' (a caramel that has come to an end) poignantly captures the fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying nature of these encounters.
The final verse of the song is particularly striking, as it portrays the aftermath of the encounter. The protagonist instructs his client to leave the door open and tells her to inform her friends that the experience was unsatisfactory. This act of defiance and indifference highlights his role as a 'marginal' (outcast), someone who exists on the fringes of society and is unconcerned with societal norms or judgments. The song ultimately serves as a powerful commentary on the commodification of human relationships and the emotional toll it takes on those involved.