Eu era assim

Bia Bedran's song 'Eu era assim' is a poetic exploration of the different stages of life, capturing the essence of human existence from infancy to old age and beyond. The repetitive structure of the lyrics, with each verse beginning with 'Quando eu era' (When I was), emphasizes the cyclical nature of life. This repetition creates a rhythmic and almost hypnotic effect, drawing the listener into a contemplative state about their own life journey.

The song starts with the innocence of being a baby ('neném') and progresses through various life stages: childhood ('menina'/'menino'), adolescence ('mocinha'/'mocinho'), adulthood ('casada'/'casado'), parenthood ('mamãe'/'papai'), grandparenthood ('vovó'/'vovô'), and old age ('caduca'/'caduco'). Each stage is marked by the phrase 'Eu era assim' (I was like this), suggesting a sense of continuity and identity that persists despite the changes brought by time. The final stages, 'caduca' (senile) and 'caveira' (skeleton), bring a poignant reminder of mortality, yet they are presented with the same matter-of-fact tone as the earlier stages, highlighting the natural progression of life.

Bia Bedran, known for her work in children's music and storytelling, uses simple language and repetition to make profound statements accessible to all ages. The song's universal themes of growth, change, and the passage of time resonate deeply, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the inevitable transitions they will face. The inclusion of both male and female perspectives in the second half of the song further underscores the shared human experience, regardless of gender.

'Eu era assim' is a beautiful reminder of the common threads that bind us all, inviting us to embrace each phase of life with acceptance and understanding. It speaks to the timeless nature of human existence and the enduring essence of who we are, no matter how much we change over the years.