Só Pra Contrariar
Fundo de Quintal
Defiance and Desire in 'Só Pra Contrariar' by Fundo de Quintal
The song 'Só Pra Contrariar' by Fundo de Quintal delves into themes of defiance and the complexities of desire. The lyrics revolve around the narrator's deliberate actions to go against the norm or expectations, as indicated by the repeated phrase 'Só pra contrariar,' which translates to 'Just to contradict.' This defiance is expressed through various actions, such as avoiding the favela, not participating in the Portela parade, and refraining from making love to a woman he finds beautiful.
The song's narrative suggests a deeper emotional struggle. The narrator acknowledges the woman's beauty and the attention she garners from others, yet he chooses to distance himself from her. This act of contrariness seems to be a way of asserting control or independence, even if it means going against his own desires. The line 'Contrariei, revelando segredo que não se revela' ('I contradicted, revealing a secret that should not be revealed') hints at a deeper, perhaps painful, truth that the narrator is grappling with.
Fundo de Quintal, known for their contributions to the samba genre, often explore themes of love, social issues, and personal introspection in their music. In 'Só Pra Contrariar,' the group's signature style is evident in the rhythmic and melodic elements that underscore the lyrical content. The song captures the essence of samba's ability to convey complex emotions and social commentary through its vibrant and engaging musicality.