Comeu

In 'Comeu,' Caetano Veloso uses vivid and visceral imagery to explore the theme of love and its consuming nature. The repeated phrase 'Ela comeu meu coração' (She ate my heart) serves as a powerful metaphor for the emotional and psychological impact of a romantic relationship. The verbs 'trincou, mordeu, mastigou, engoliu' (cracked, bit, chewed, swallowed) and 'mascou, moeu, triturou, deglutiu' (chewed, ground, crushed, digested) emphasize the intensity and totality of this consumption, suggesting that love can be both nourishing and destructive.

The song also delves into the idea of vulnerability and the sacrifices made in the name of love. Veloso describes his heart being eaten in various forms, from a 'coraçãozinho de galinha num xinxim' (little chicken heart in a stew) to a 'coraçãozão de leão' (big lion heart) in a nightmarish dream. These contrasting images highlight the duality of love—its ability to make one feel both small and insignificant, yet also powerful and courageous. The line 'E ainda me disse que é assim que se faz um grande poeta' (And she still told me that this is how a great poet is made) suggests that suffering and emotional turmoil are essential ingredients in the creation of art and poetry.

Furthermore, the song touches on the societal expectations and personal aspirations tied to love and success. Veloso expresses a desire to be a 'campeão da canção' (champion of the song), an 'ídolo' (idol), and a 'mito da multidão' (myth of the crowd). However, his lover's misunderstanding of his intentions and her relentless consumption of his heart symbolize the often conflicting nature of personal dreams and romantic relationships. The song's repetitive structure and haunting melody reinforce the cyclical and inescapable nature of these emotional experiences, making 'Comeu' a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and ambition.