Números
Engenheiros do Hawaii
The Overwhelming Weight of Numbers and the Boundless Measure of Love
Engenheiros do Hawaii's song "Números" delves into the overwhelming presence of numbers in our lives and juxtaposes this with the immeasurable nature of love. The lyrics begin by referencing the Guiness Book, a symbol of record-keeping and quantification, and then move on to various historical and scientific figures, such as mass extinctions and human milestones. The singer questions the significance of these numbers in his personal life, highlighting a sense of disconnection and bewilderment. This sentiment is encapsulated in the repeated line, "E eu com esses números?" ("And me with these numbers?").
The song contrasts the cold, hard facts represented by numbers with the warmth and boundlessness of love. The phrase "A medida de amar é amar sem medida" ("The measure of love is to love without measure") serves as a recurring refrain, emphasizing that love cannot be quantified or constrained by numerical values. This idea is further reinforced by the mention of various numerical and scientific terms, such as kilowatts and gigabytes, which seem trivial in the face of genuine human emotions and connections.
Engenheiros do Hawaii uses these contrasts to critique a society obsessed with metrics and measurements, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from embracing the immeasurable aspects of life, such as love and human connection. The song's structure, alternating between lists of numbers and the refrain about love, effectively underscores this message. By doing so, the band invites listeners to reflect on what truly matters in life and to question the value we place on quantifiable achievements versus emotional and relational depth.