Tango do Covil

Chico Buarque's 'Tango do Covil' is a poignant exploration of longing and aspiration, wrapped in the guise of a whimsical and somewhat humorous narrative. The song's protagonist dreams of being someone of higher status or possessing talents that would allow him to express his admiration for a woman he finds extraordinarily beautiful. Each verse presents a different persona he wishes to embody, from a singer with the voice of a nightingale to a well-educated doctor, a sophisticated French waiter, and even the legendary tango singer Carlos Gardel. These aspirations highlight his feelings of inadequacy and his desire to elevate himself to be worthy of the woman's attention.

The repeated phrase 'quem me dera,' which translates to 'I wish,' underscores the protagonist's deep-seated yearning for transformation. This phrase is a powerful expression of his internal struggle and the societal pressures he feels. The use of various professions and personas also serves as a metaphor for the different facets of identity and the lengths to which people go to reinvent themselves in the pursuit of love and acceptance. The song's setting in a 'covil,' or den, suggests a place of low status or moral ambiguity, further emphasizing the protagonist's feelings of unworthiness.

Chico Buarque, known for his intricate lyrics and social commentary, uses 'Tango do Covil' to subtly critique societal norms and the often unrealistic standards of beauty and success. The song's playful tone and clever wordplay mask a deeper commentary on the human condition, making it a rich text for analysis. The protagonist's exaggerated fantasies and the humorous yet poignant descriptions of the woman's beauty serve to highlight the absurdity of these societal expectations, while also evoking empathy for those who feel pressured to conform to them.