Noite Dos Mascarados

Elis Regina's 'Noite Dos Mascarados' is a captivating exploration of identity, love, and the ephemeral nature of carnival. The song opens with a question, 'Quem é você?' ('Who are you?'), setting the stage for a night of masked revelry where individuals seek to uncover the true identities of their partners. This question is not just about physical identity but also delves into the deeper, more intimate aspects of who a person is and whether they reciprocate feelings of affection. The masquerade becomes a metaphor for the roles people play in relationships and society, hiding their true selves behind masks.

The lyrics then introduce a dialogue between two characters, each describing themselves in contrasting terms. One claims to be a 'seresteiro, poeta e cantor' ('serenader, poet, and singer'), who mocks love and is financially unstable yet carefree. The other character presents a mix of past and present identities, from a 'porta-estandarte' (flag bearer) who can no longer dance to someone who was 'born to samba.' This juxtaposition highlights the fluidity of identity, especially during carnival, where societal norms are temporarily suspended, and people can reinvent themselves.

As the song progresses, it embraces the transient nature of carnival. The refrain 'Mas é carnaval' ('But it's carnival') signifies a temporary escape from reality. The characters acknowledge that once the festivities end, life will return to normal, and the masks will come off. However, for the duration of the carnival, they are willing to be whatever their partner desires, embodying the spirit of freedom and spontaneity that defines the celebration. The repeated phrase 'Seja você quem for, seja o que Deus quiser' ('Be whoever you are, be what God wants') underscores the acceptance of fate and the unknown, embracing the unpredictability of life and love.