Língua

Caetano Veloso's song 'Língua' is a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural references that celebrates the Portuguese language and its complexities. The opening lines, where Veloso expresses his pleasure in feeling his tongue touch that of the great Portuguese poet Luís de Camões, set the tone for a song that is deeply rooted in the love for language and its poetic potential. The song is a tribute to the Portuguese language and its ability to create connections across cultures, particularly within the Lusophone world.

Veloso's lyrics weave together a series of references to Brazilian and Portuguese culture, literature, and language. The mention of 'Pessoa na pessoa' is a nod to the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, known for his heteronyms, while 'rosa no Rosa' likely refers to the Brazilian writer Guimarães Rosa. The song also touches on the relationship between poetry and prose, suggesting a preference for the former, and extends this metaphor to the realms of love and friendship. The repeated question 'O que quer, o que pode esta língua?' (What does this language want, what can it do?) reflects on the power and possibilities inherent in language.

The song also delves into the Brazilian context, mentioning the Sambódromo (a parade area designed for samba schools during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro) and the term 'Lusamérica,' which encapsulates the blend of Portuguese and American influences in Brazil. Veloso's playful approach to language is evident as he mixes high and low cultural references, from the syntax of São Paulo residents to the 'falso inglês relax' of surfers, and even the names of Brazilian celebrities. The song is a celebration of linguistic diversity and the unique cultural identity that language can forge, asserting that for Veloso, his language is his homeland ('Minha pátria é minha língua').