Como 2 e 2
Gal Costa
The Paradox of Certainty in Gal Costa's 'Como 2 e 2'
Gal Costa's song 'Como 2 e 2' is a poetic exploration of the contradictions and paradoxes inherent in life and love. The lyrics, penned by the legendary Brazilian songwriter Caetano Veloso, delve into themes of emotional complexity and the elusive nature of truth. The song opens with an invitation to listen, but with a caveat: 'Venha não creia, eu não corro perigo' (Come, don't believe, I'm not in danger). This sets the tone for a narrative that oscillates between vulnerability and resilience, where the act of singing becomes both a refuge and a form of expression.
The recurring line 'Tudo certo como dois e dois são cinco' (Everything is right as two and two are five) serves as a central metaphor for the song. It encapsulates the idea that what seems certain and logical can often be misleading or false. This paradox is further emphasized by the juxtaposition of feelings and states of being: joy and sadness, presence and distance, truth and deception. The singer acknowledges the pain and confusion but also finds solace in the act of singing and the emotional release it provides.
The imagery in the song is rich and evocative, painting a picture of a desolate yet familiar landscape. Phrases like 'Tudo em volta está deserto' (Everything around is deserted) and 'a mesma Lua a furar nosso zinco' (the same Moon piercing our zinc) evoke a sense of isolation and constancy amidst change. The song's structure, with its repetitive chorus, reinforces the cyclical nature of these emotions and experiences. Through 'Como 2 e 2,' Gal Costa and Caetano Veloso invite listeners to embrace the uncertainties of life, finding beauty and meaning in the contradictions that define our existence.