Ladeira da Preguiça

Elis Regina's song 'Ladeira da Preguiça' is a poetic exploration of life's challenges and the human tendency to procrastinate. The title itself, which translates to 'Slope of Laziness,' sets the tone for a narrative that delves into the inertia and reluctance that often accompany our daily responsibilities. The repetitive questioning of 'Essa ladeira, que ladeira é essa?' (This slope, what slope is this?) followed by the answer 'Essa é a ladeira da preguiça' (This is the slope of laziness) emphasizes the cyclical nature of procrastination and the struggle to overcome it.

The lyrics touch on various aspects of life that are often neglected due to laziness or a lack of motivation. The singer admits to the 'preguiça' (laziness) of writing to family, sending money home, and keeping up with the growth and development of children. These lines reflect a sense of guilt and the realization that important aspects of life are being overlooked. The mention of children learning to count stars and sing songs adds a layer of innocence and the passage of time, highlighting what is missed when one succumbs to laziness.

Elis Regina also weaves in references to different islands, such as Formentera and Ilha do Medo, creating a metaphorical landscape that represents various stages and places in life. These islands symbolize isolation, fear, and the unknown, contrasting with the 'maravilha' (wonder) of the world. The final lines, 'Ela é de hoje, ela é desde quando se amarrava cachorro com linguiça' (It is from today, it is from when dogs were tied with sausages), suggest that this struggle with laziness is timeless and universal, dating back to simpler, perhaps more naive times. Through this song, Elis Regina captures the essence of human nature and the ongoing battle to rise above our own 'ladeira da preguiça.'