Comportamento Geral

Elza Soares' song 'Comportamento Geral' is a powerful critique of social and political conformity in Brazil. The lyrics, filled with irony and sarcasm, highlight the struggles of the working class and the expectations placed upon them by society. The song opens with a stark observation that there is no money ('tutu') left, yet the individual is expected to remain unbothered and even grateful. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which continues to expose the absurdity of societal demands on the less privileged.

The repeated phrase 'Você merece' ('You deserve it') serves as a biting commentary on the hollow promises and empty rewards given to the working class. The lyrics suggest that people are expected to be content with minimal rewards like 'beer, samba, and tomorrow,' even if their fundamental needs and rights are neglected. The mention of 'rezar pelo bem do patrão' ('pray for the boss's well-being') while being unemployed underscores the exploitation and manipulation faced by workers, who are expected to be grateful for their dire circumstances.

Elza Soares uses the metaphor of 'carnaval' to represent the fleeting and superficial joys offered to the masses as a distraction from their harsh realities. The song questions what will happen when these distractions are taken away, leaving people to face the true state of their lives. The lyrics also touch on the idea of being 'bem-comportado' ('well-behaved'), suggesting that societal approval is contingent upon blind obedience and submission. Through 'Comportamento Geral,' Soares delivers a scathing critique of the social and political systems that perpetuate inequality and demand conformity at the expense of individual well-being.