Essa Moça Tá Diferente
Chico Buarque
The Evolution of Love and Modernity in 'Essa Moça Tá Diferente'
The song 'Essa Moça Tá Diferente' by Chico Buarque, a renowned Brazilian musician known for his poetic lyrics and involvement in the Tropicalia movement, delves into the themes of change, modernity, and the complexities of romantic relationships. The lyrics describe a woman who has transformed, becoming more modern and seemingly out of reach for the narrator, who feels left behind by her evolution.
The narrator observes the woman's desire to embrace modernity, symbolized by her interest in astronauts on television over traditional serenades. This contrast between the old and the new reflects a broader cultural shift that was happening in Brazil during the 1960s and 1970s, when the country was experiencing rapid modernization and the influence of global trends. The song captures the tension between tradition and progress, as well as the personal impact of these societal changes on individual relationships.
Despite the woman's apparent disinterest and the emotional distance that has grown between them, the narrator holds onto a glimmer of hope. The repeated lines 'Mas o tempo vai, mas o tempo vem' (But time goes, but time comes) suggest a cyclical nature of life and relationships, indicating that despite the changes, there may still be an underlying affection ('No fundo, ela ainda me quer bem') that endures. The song, therefore, not only comments on the changing times but also on the enduring complexities of love and human connection.