Este Amor

Caetano Veloso's song 'Este Amor' is a poetic exploration of love's universal and transcendent nature. The lyrics are rich with cultural references and metaphors that paint a vivid picture of love as a force that transcends boundaries and unites people from diverse backgrounds. Veloso, a prominent figure in Brazilian music, is known for his ability to blend different musical styles and cultural elements, and 'Este Amor' is a testament to his lyrical prowess and deep understanding of human emotions.

The song begins with a series of hypothetical scenarios, each illustrating a different aspect of love. The mention of 'siboney,' a reference to a Cuban song and a symbol of romantic idealism, sets the tone for the song's exploration of love's many facets. Veloso's use of imagery, such as 'boiando à flor do sol' (floating on the surface of the sun) and 'seu golfo e seu farol' (its gulf and its lighthouse), evokes a sense of love as a guiding and illuminating force. The lyrics suggest that if someone could truly understand the essence of life ('a cor das cores da razão do sal da vida'), they might grasp the fundamental law of love.

Veloso continues to weave a tapestry of cultural references, mentioning 'judeu, iorubá, nissei, bundo' (Jew, Yoruba, Japanese, Bantu) to emphasize love's inclusivity and its power to transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries. The imagery of opening wings and petals symbolizes the potential for love to flourish and reveal its true nature. The song's chorus, with its repetition of 'boca' (mouth), highlights the intimate and personal aspects of love, capturing both its pleasures and pains.

In the final verses, Veloso delves into the idea of love as a transformative force. The reference to 'Gilgal em Bethania' and 'anjo exterminador' (exterminating angel) suggests a spiritual and almost mystical dimension to love. The song concludes with a vision of love as an eternal and unchanging light, symbolized by the 'lua brilharia mais no céu da ilha' (moon shining brighter in the island's sky) and the 'luz da maravilha' (light of wonder). Through 'Este Amor,' Veloso invites listeners to reflect on the profound and multifaceted nature of love, celebrating its ability to connect and elevate the human experience.