O Que Será (À Flor da Terra)

Chico Buarque's 'O Que Será (À Flor da Terra)' is a song that delves into the mysteries of existence and the various facets of human life. The recurring question 'O que será, que será?' which translates to 'What will it be, what will it be?' sets a tone of uncertainty and contemplation. The lyrics explore what stirs in the shadows, the whispers of lovers, the fervor of poets, and the convictions of prophets. It touches on the collective consciousness that is expressed in different social settings, from the secrecy of private spaces to the public discourse in markets and bars.

The song also addresses the intangible and indefinable aspects of life that elude certainty, repair, or measurement. Buarque's lyrics suggest that this enigmatic essence is present in the dreams of the unfortunate, the daily lives of sex workers, the schemes of criminals, and the plight of the downtrodden. It is a force that defies decency, censorship, and logic, yet it is an undeniable part of the human experience. The song implies that this mysterious element will ultimately unite all destinies, regardless of societal norms or divine judgment.

Finally, 'O Que Será (À Flor da Terra)' culminates in a powerful statement about the inevitability of this force. Despite warnings, laughter will challenge it, bells will ring, anthems will sanctify it, and children will run wild. Even the divine, who has never intervened, will bless this chaos that lacks governance, shame, or reason. The song is a poetic reflection on the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of life, and the human spirit that persists through it all.