Empurrão
Hugo e Guilherme
The Siren Call of Old Habits: A Dive into 'Empurrão'
The song 'Empurrão' by Hugo e Guilherme is a humorous take on the struggle many people face when trying to change their lifestyle, particularly when it comes to drinking alcohol. The lyrics describe the protagonist's well-intentioned plans to turn their life around, which include quitting drinking, saving money, and joining a prayer group instead of a group of heavy drinkers. The song captures the all-too-familiar cycle of making resolutions to improve oneself and then quickly breaking them when temptation arises.
However, the protagonist's resolve crumbles at the sound of a beer can opening, a 'tch' sound that serves as the 'push' ('empurrão' in Portuguese) they needed to fall back into old habits. The song continues to describe the postponement of responsibilities, such as paying bills, and the return to drinking just a day after deciding to quit. The mention of using Engov, a popular Brazilian hangover cure, every 12 hours, humorously underscores the extent of the protagonist's drinking and the lack of seriousness in their commitment to change.
The song uses a light-hearted tone to discuss a serious issue, reflecting the cultural attitude towards social drinking and the difficulty of breaking free from it. The narrative is relatable for many who have experienced the cycle of trying to quit a bad habit only to find themselves drawn back in. It's a commentary on the power of addiction and the social pressures that can make such habits hard to break.