Comentário a Respeito de John
Belchior
The Quest for Autonomy in Belchior's 'Comentário a Respeito de John'
Belchior's song 'Comentário a Respeito de John' is a powerful declaration of independence and self-determination. The lyrics open with a strong statement: 'Saia do meu caminho, eu prefiro andar sozinho' (Get out of my way, I prefer to walk alone). This sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing the artist's desire to carve his own path and make his own decisions. The repeated insistence on autonomy reflects a broader theme of personal freedom and resistance to external control.
The song also contains a poignant reference to John Lennon, with the lines 'João! O tempo andou mexendo com a gente, sim. John! Eu não esqueço' (John! Time has been messing with us, yes. John! I don't forget). This allusion to Lennon, a symbol of peace and rebellion, underscores the song's themes of change and the passage of time. The phrase 'A felicidade é uma arma quente' (Happiness is a warm gun) is a direct nod to The Beatles' song 'Happiness Is a Warm Gun,' further linking Belchior's message to the countercultural movements of the 1960s and 70s.
Belchior's lyrics also touch on the intimate and personal, with lines like 'Sob a luz do teu cigarro na cama, teu gosto ruge, teu batom me diz' (Under the light of your cigarette in bed, your taste roars, your lipstick tells me). These vivid images evoke a sense of nostalgia and personal connection, adding depth to the song's exploration of time and change. The interplay between the personal and the political in 'Comentário a Respeito de John' makes it a rich and multifaceted work, reflecting Belchior's unique ability to blend introspection with broader social commentary.