Lindeza
Caetano Veloso
The Beauty of Love and Desire in 'Lindeza'
Caetano Veloso's song 'Lindeza' is a poetic celebration of beauty, love, and desire. The title itself, which translates to 'Beauty,' sets the tone for the entire piece. Veloso's lyrics are filled with admiration and wonder, as he describes the overwhelming feeling of seeing someone so beautiful that it seems almost unreal. The phrase 'ver-te ao alcance da boca' (seeing you within reach of my mouth) suggests an intense longing and closeness, emphasizing the physical and emotional proximity he feels towards this person.
The song continues to explore the transformative power of love. Veloso sings about how his humanity grows when the world offers this beautiful person to him, and they finally give themselves to him. This line speaks to the idea that love and beauty can elevate one's existence, making life feel more meaningful and real. The imagery of a 'nítido farol' (clear lighthouse) and 'sinal novo sob o sol' (new sign under the sun) further reinforces the idea of love as a guiding light and a source of new beginnings.
In the final verses, Veloso uses a series of evocative images—'lua, lua, lua, lua' (moon, moon, moon, moon), 'sol, palavra, dança nua' (sun, word, naked dance), 'pluma, tela, pétala' (feather, canvas, petal)—to paint a picture of the multifaceted nature of beauty and desire. These images suggest a sense of timelessness and universality, as he expresses a desire that has always existed and will continue to bring joy forever. The repetition of 'pra sempre' (forever) underscores the enduring nature of this love and beauty, making 'Lindeza' a timeless ode to the power of love and desire.