Pelo Vinho e Pelo Pão

Fagner's song 'Pelo Vinho e Pelo Pão' delves into the complexities of human emotions and desires, using vivid imagery and metaphors to explore themes of longing, sustenance, and existential reflection. The title itself, which translates to 'For the Wine and For the Bread,' sets the stage for a narrative that intertwines the basic necessities of life with deeper, more nuanced emotional needs.

The lyrics open with a series of questions that seem to probe the nature of perception and communication. 'Quantos olhos você tem pra me falar' ('How many eyes do you have to speak to me') and 'Quantas bocas você diz a me olhar' ('How many mouths do you say to look at me') suggest a search for understanding and connection. This quest is further complicated by the mention of 'dentes tristes' ('sad teeth') and 'solidão' ('solitude'), indicating a sense of melancholy and isolation.

As the song progresses, Fagner introduces the idea of transformation and rebirth. 'Claros pelos evidentes nascerão em cada mão' ('Clear hairs will be born in each hand') and 'Lívidos e conscientes pelo vinho e pelo pão' ('Pale and conscious for the wine and for the bread') evoke a sense of renewal and awareness, possibly hinting at the cyclical nature of life and the human condition. The repeated references to 'vinho' (wine) and 'pão' (bread) symbolize both physical and spiritual nourishment, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from a balance of both.

The closing lines, 'Beijos de doce veneno quero sim e quero não' ('Kisses of sweet poison, I want yes and I want no') and 'Pelo fogo dos repentes desafiam o coração' ('By the fire of sudden impulses, they challenge the heart'), encapsulate the duality of desire and caution. This tension between wanting and resisting, between passion and prudence, is a central theme that resonates throughout the song, making it a poignant reflection on the human experience.