Assum Preto

Gonzaguinha's song "Assum Preto" is a poignant exploration of suffering and loss, using the metaphor of a blind blackbird to convey deep emotional pain. The song opens with a vivid description of a beautiful April sky and blooming forest, setting a stark contrast to the plight of the "assum preto" (blackbird) that is blind and sings out of sorrow. This imagery immediately draws the listener into a world where beauty and pain coexist, highlighting the bird's tragic condition.

The lyrics suggest that the bird's blindness was caused either by ignorance or extreme cruelty, as its eyes were deliberately gouged out to make it sing better. This act of violence against the bird serves as a powerful metaphor for the ways in which individuals can be harmed or oppressed, often for the benefit or pleasure of others. The bird's inability to see the sky, despite being free, underscores a profound sense of loss and longing for something it can never experience again.

In the final verses, the singer draws a parallel between the bird's sorrowful song and his own sadness. Just as the bird's eyes were taken, the singer's love was stolen, leaving him in a state of emotional blindness. This comparison deepens the song's emotional impact, making it not just a story about a bird, but a universal tale of human suffering and the enduring pain of lost love. Gonzaguinha's heartfelt delivery and the song's melancholic melody further amplify its themes, making "Assum Preto" a timeless reflection on the nature of sorrow and the resilience of the human spirit.