Fora de Ordem
Caetano Veloso
A Chaotic Symphony: Caetano Veloso's 'Fora de Ordem'
Caetano Veloso's song 'Fora de Ordem' is a poignant critique of societal and political disarray, set against the backdrop of Brazil's urban landscape. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a city in decay, where the remnants of construction projects symbolize the broader collapse of social structures. The imagery of children biting the barrel of a gun reflects the harsh realities faced by the younger generation, juxtaposed with the city's superficial beauty, which is more intense than any postcard depiction. This stark contrast underscores the song's central theme: something is fundamentally wrong in the world, a sentiment echoed in the repeated refrain 'Alguma coisa está fora da ordem' (Something is out of order).
The song also delves into personal and cultural identity, with references to the vibrant yet tumultuous life in São Paulo ('Sampa'). Veloso's mention of 'acrobata mulata' and 'Jorge Benjor' highlights the rich cultural tapestry of Brazil, while also pointing to the underlying tensions and contradictions. The lyrics suggest a sense of disillusionment with the 'new world order,' a term often associated with global political and economic systems that fail to address local issues. Veloso's poetic expression captures the complexity of these feelings, blending moments of joy and despair, light and darkness.
In the latter part of the song, Veloso's lyrics take on a more introspective tone. He speaks of hiding his song like the Yanomami people in the forest, a metaphor for preserving cultural identity amidst external pressures. The imagery of spitting 'chicletes do ódio' (gum of hatred) into the exposed sewage of Leblon, a wealthy neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, symbolizes a rejection of superficiality and corruption. Despite the chaos, Veloso finds solace in the possibility of diverse harmonies, suggesting that beauty and order can emerge from disorder. The multilingual repetition of the refrain in various languages, including Chinese and French, emphasizes the universal nature of the song's message: the world is out of order, and this disarray transcends borders and cultures.