Comunicação

Elis Regina's song "Comunicação" delves into the pervasive influence of advertising and consumer culture on everyday life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how commercial messages infiltrate our daily routines, shaping our desires and behaviors. From the moment the protagonist wakes up, they are bombarded with advertisements for products like soap and ice cream, which are presented in such an enticing manner that they become objects of desire. This constant exposure to commercial messages creates a reality where even mundane activities are influenced by the allure of consumer goods.

The song also highlights the absurdity of this consumer-driven existence. The protagonist finds themselves smiling constantly, driven by the promise of health and happiness promoted by toothpaste ads. They are compelled to switch from tea to coffee, influenced by the latest trends and commercials. The mention of Pelé, a legendary Brazilian soccer player, and the repetition of his goals on television, underscores how even sports and entertainment are co-opted by commercial interests. The protagonist's life becomes a series of advertisements, where they are just another cosmonaut, lost in the vast space of consumerism, missing out on genuine human connections, like arriving late and losing their love.

The song's climax comes with the protagonist's realization of their own complicity in this cycle. They add an additive to their cooking, influenced by ads, and respond to surveys, acknowledging their growing obsession with commercials. The repeated exposure to these messages leads to a state of near madness, where the protagonist becomes a fan of the very system that entraps them. Elis Regina's powerful delivery and the song's satirical tone make "Comunicação" a poignant critique of the consumer culture that dominates modern life.