As Cartas

Chico Buarque's song 'As Cartas' delves into the theme of illusion versus reality, using vivid imagery and metaphors to explore the complexities of life. The repeated word 'Ilusão' (Illusion) sets the tone, urging listeners to see things as they truly are. The lyrics reference various archetypal figures and symbols, such as 'A carroça' (The cart), 'A dama' (The lady), and 'O louco' (The fool), which can be interpreted as elements of a tarot deck. These symbols represent different facets of human experience and the unpredictability of life.

The song's structure, with its cyclical repetition, mirrors the idea of a never-ending dance of illusions. Buarque mentions 'O enforcado' (The hanged man) and 'A dançarina' (The dancer), creating a juxtaposition between suffering and grace. The imagery of 'O encarnado numa cortina' (The red in a curtain) and 'O cavaleiro, o prateado' (The knight, the silver) further emphasizes the contrast between appearance and reality. The knight's reflection in the mirror, 'Desfigurado' (Disfigured), suggests that what we see is often distorted, reinforcing the theme of illusion.

In the final verse, Buarque expands the scope to include 'A fortuna' (Fortune), 'A roda' (The wheel), and 'O raio' (The lightning), symbols of fate and the vastness of existence. The mention of 'O estrelado' (The starred) and 'O obscuro' (The obscure) highlights the duality of light and darkness, hope and despair. The line 'O seu futuro embaralhado' (Your future shuffled) encapsulates the uncertainty of life, suggesting that our destinies are as unpredictable as a shuffled deck of cards. Through 'As Cartas,' Chico Buarque masterfully captures the essence of human experience, urging us to look beyond illusions and confront the true nature of our reality.