Ela É Dançarina

Chico Buarque's song 'Ela É Dançarina' paints a vivid picture of a relationship marked by contrasting lifestyles and the struggle to find harmony within it. The lyrics juxtapose the lives of a 'funcionário' (employee) and a 'dançarina' (dancer), highlighting the inherent differences in their daily routines. The employee's life is structured and predictable, while the dancer's life is dynamic and filled with artistic expression. This contrast is evident in lines like 'Eu sou funcionário, ela é dançarina' (I am an employee, she is a dancer), which is repeated throughout the song to emphasize their differing worlds.

The song delves into the challenges of maintaining a relationship when schedules and lifestyles clash. The employee works during the day, while the dancer performs at night, making it difficult for them to spend time together. This is poignantly captured in lines such as 'Quando pego o ponto, ela termina' (When I clock in, she finishes) and 'Quando abro o guichê, é quando ela abaixa a cortina' (When I open the ticket booth, she lowers the curtain). Despite these challenges, there is a sense of hope and commitment in the relationship, as seen in the recurring dream of a future where they can be together without the constraints of their current lives.

The song also uses rich metaphors and cultural references to deepen its narrative. For instance, the mention of 'Lexotan' and 'Reativina'—medications for anxiety and energy, respectively—symbolizes the emotional highs and lows experienced by the couple. The imagery of 'serpentina' (streamers) and 'purpurina' (glitter) adds a festive, almost magical quality to the dancer's world, contrasting with the more mundane aspects of the employee's life. Ultimately, 'Ela É Dançarina' is a poignant exploration of love, routine, and the hope for a harmonious future despite present challenges.