Livros

Caetano Veloso's song 'Livros' (which translates to 'Books' in English) is a poetic reflection on the transformative power of literature and the role it plays in human life. The lyrics suggest a scenario where books are scarce, perhaps in a humble home or a place without a bookstore, emphasizing the value and impact of the few books that do enter one's life. Veloso compares books to the radiation from a black body, an astrophysical concept that relates to the emission of energy, suggesting that books emit knowledge and ideas that contribute to the expansion of the universe of human understanding. The emphasis on the verse highlights the importance of poetry and its ability to create new worlds within our world.

The song also explores the duality of life's journey, which is described as a road from nothing to nothing, where both fortune and misfortune are encountered. In this context, books and the moonlight stand against culture, perhaps suggesting that they offer a natural, illuminating counterpoint to the constructed norms and values of society. Veloso personifies books, describing the tactile love one might feel for them, akin to the affection for a pack of cigarettes. This love can manifest in different ways: books can be treasured and displayed, or they can be discarded, even burned, in an act of liberation or rejection. The act of writing a book is also mentioned, with the potential to add to the confusion on the shelves, indicating that not all written works contribute positively to the collective knowledge.

The final stanza returns to the image of stumbling upon the stars, a metaphor for navigating life with its inherent uncertainties and discoveries. The speaker addresses someone who was clumsy among the stars but was a shining star to them, suggesting a personal connection and the profound impact an individual can have on another's life, much like a significant book or piece of knowledge.