Coração de Jacaré

Carlos Gonzaga's song "Coração de Jacaré" is a playful and humorous narrative that delves into the complexities of family relationships, particularly the often stereotyped tension between a person and their mother-in-law. The song tells the story of a heart transplant gone awry, where the heart of a crocodile is placed into the singer's mother-in-law. The result is both comical and tragic: the mother-in-law runs away, and the crocodile dies. This absurd scenario is a metaphor for the perceived toughness and resilience often attributed to mothers-in-law in popular culture.

The repeated refrain, "É, é, é, é, coitado do jacaré," which translates to "Poor crocodile," adds a layer of irony and humor. It suggests that even a creature as tough as a crocodile couldn't handle the heart of the singer's mother-in-law. This exaggeration serves to highlight the exaggerated toughness and perhaps the difficult nature of the mother-in-law, a common trope in many cultures.

The song's light-hearted tone and catchy melody make it a memorable piece that resonates with listeners through its use of humor and relatable family dynamics. By using a crocodile, an animal known for its toughness and resilience, Gonzaga cleverly underscores the exaggerated toughness of the mother-in-law, making the song both amusing and thought-provoking. The song also reflects the cultural context in which it was created, where humor is often used to address and diffuse familial tensions.