Lira dos Vinte Anos
Belchior
The Nostalgic Rebellion of Youth in 'Lira dos Vinte Anos'
Belchior's song 'Lira dos Vinte Anos' is a poignant reflection on the rebellious spirit and disillusionment of youth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a generation influenced by cultural icons like Bob Dylan and the pervasive presence of consumer brands like Coca-Cola. This generation, characterized by their defiance and desire for freedom, eventually finds themselves returning home, perhaps disillusioned by the harsh realities of life. The line 'Um queria mandar brasa, Outro ser pedra que rola' suggests a yearning for both action and freedom, yet the intrusion of money ('money entra em cena e arrasa') disrupts these dreams, leading to a sense of loss and resignation ('adeus, caras bons de bola')
The song also touches on the rapid passage of time and the inevitable changes it brings. The reference to the 'anos cinquenta' (the 1950s) evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler past, while the hurried pace of life ('andarmos apressados') results in a feeling of being perpetually late or out of sync with the world. This sentiment is further emphasized by the plea to 'Mamãe,' highlighting a longing for comfort and understanding in a world that seems increasingly alien and unforgiving.
Belchior's relationship with his father is another central theme in the song. The generational conflict is starkly portrayed, with the singer rejecting both his father's approval and the life his father represents. The line 'Meu pai não aprova o que eu faço, Tampouco, eu aprovo o filho que ele fez' encapsulates this mutual disapproval and the emotional distance between them. The singer's 'coração lobo mau' (big bad wolf heart) symbolizes a hardened, rebellious spirit that cannot be easily tamed or satisfied, further underscoring the song's themes of youthful defiance and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world.