Tigresa

Caetano Veloso's song 'Tigresa' is a rich tapestry of metaphor and cultural references that paints a portrait of a complex woman, likened to a tigress, who embodies both beauty and contradiction. The lyrics describe a woman with 'black nails and honey-colored iris,' suggesting a mysterious and alluring character. The tigress metaphor extends to her personality, which is both captivating and potentially dangerous, as indicated by the lines that speak of her telling the narrator that 'evil is good, and good is cruel.' This paradoxical statement challenges conventional morality and hints at the woman's unconventional and perhaps tumultuous past.

The song also touches on historical and cultural elements, such as the woman's involvement in politics in 1966 and her participation in the musical 'Hair.' These references place the song in a specific temporal context, reflecting on the political and social upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s. The mention of 'Frenetic Dancing Days' alludes to the disco era in Brazil, symbolizing a shift from political activism to a more hedonistic lifestyle. The woman's narrative is one of transformation and self-discovery, as she speaks of inventing a place where she can be what she wants, suggesting a desire for personal freedom and harmony with nature.

The emotional impact of the woman's story on the narrator is evident in the final verses. The 'claws of the feline' have left a mark on his heart, yet he dismisses her 'girlish foolishness.' The song concludes with the narrator finding solace in music, as the morning dawns blue and he appreciates the ability to play an instrument. This ending can be seen as a metaphor for the healing power of art and the solace it can provide amidst life's complexities and the search for meaning.