Cobra Coral

Caetano Veloso's song 'Cobra Coral' is a poetic and evocative piece that delves into themes of beauty, admiration, and the desire to capture and share that beauty. The lyrics begin with a direct address to the 'cobra coral,' a coral snake, asking it to stop its undulating movement. This request is not out of fear but rather out of a desire to observe and replicate its striking colors. The snake's vibrant and intricate patterns are seen as a source of inspiration, something so beautiful that it must be captured and transformed into a gift for the singer's beloved.

The song continues with the singer expressing a wish to create a necklace from the snake's colors to present to his 'amada' or beloved. This act of creation and gifting is symbolic, representing the transfer of natural beauty into a form that can be worn and cherished by a human. The snake's beauty, languor, and elegance are qualities that the singer wishes to immortalize and share, elevating them above other, less colorful snakes. This comparison highlights the unique and superior beauty of the coral snake, making it a metaphor for something or someone exceptionally beautiful and graceful.

Caetano Veloso, known for his poetic and often philosophical lyrics, uses 'Cobra Coral' to explore the intersection of nature and human emotion. The song reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world and a desire to connect it with human experiences of love and admiration. The imagery of the coral snake, with its vivid colors and graceful movements, serves as a powerful symbol of beauty that transcends the ordinary, inviting listeners to see the world through a lens of wonder and artistic inspiration.