Coração Materno

Caetano Veloso's song 'Coração Materno' is a haunting narrative that delves into the depths of love, sacrifice, and the tragic consequences of blind devotion. The lyrics tell the story of a peasant who, in an attempt to prove his love to his beloved, is willing to commit the ultimate act of violence. The song opens with the peasant asking his beloved what she desires, promising to kill or steal for her, despite the sadness she brings him. This sets the stage for a tale of extreme measures taken in the name of love.

The beloved, seemingly in jest, asks the peasant to bring her his mother's heart. This request, though made in a playful manner, reveals a dark and twisted side of love, where the beloved's whims lead to a horrifying demand. The peasant, driven by his 'crazy passion,' rushes to fulfill her request. The narrative takes a grim turn as he finds his mother praying and, in a demonic act, kills her to retrieve her heart. This act of matricide is a powerful metaphor for the destructive nature of blind love and the lengths to which one might go to prove their devotion.

As the peasant returns with his mother's heart, he falls and breaks his leg, causing the heart to fall from his hand. In a poignant and supernatural twist, the heart speaks, asking if he is hurt and offering comfort, showing that even in death, a mother's love remains unconditional. This moment underscores the tragic irony of the peasant's actions and highlights the enduring nature of maternal love. 'Coração Materno' is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking song that explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and the devastating consequences of extreme actions taken in the name of love.