Hollywood

Chico Buarque's song 'Hollywood' is a satirical and poignant exploration of the allure and illusion of the American Dream, juxtaposed with the harsh realities of life in Brazil. The song opens with a repeated phrase, 'Ói nós aqui' (Look at us here), which sets a tone of self-awareness and irony. Buarque uses Hollywood as a metaphor for an unattainable dream, a place that seems close yet remains out of reach for those who are not fully awake to its illusions. The line 'Só não vê quem tem um olho aberto' (Only those with one eye open can't see) suggests that the dream is so pervasive that even a half-awake person can be seduced by it.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a fantastical world where a 'pau-de-arara' (a term for a migrant worker) can become a millionaire, and a 'pobre saltimbanco' (poor street performer) can transform into a hero living next to the sheriff. This transformation is symbolic of the rags-to-riches narrative often associated with Hollywood, but Buarque's tone suggests skepticism about its authenticity. The song also references various Brazilian locales like Caruaru and Nova Iguaçu, blending the local with the global and highlighting the contrast between the dream and the reality.

Buarque's use of characters like 'camelôs, malucos e engraxates' (street vendors, crazies, and shoeshine boys) emphasizes the diversity and struggle of everyday people who are momentarily uplifted by the dream of Hollywood. However, the line 'Aproveitem enquanto o sonho é grátis' (Enjoy while the dream is free) serves as a cautionary note, reminding listeners that dreams can be fleeting. The fear of 'cair da tela' (falling off the screen) and waking up in a less glamorous reality underscores the precariousness of these dreams. Ultimately, 'Hollywood' is a reflection on the seductive power of dreams and the inevitable return to reality, a theme that resonates deeply in both Brazilian and global contexts.