Deserto
Iguinho e Lulinha
Building Love in a Desert of Indifference
The song "Deserto" by Iguinho e Lulinha is a poignant portrayal of unrequited love and the lengths one might go to capture the attention of the object of their affection. The lyrics describe a metaphorical and perhaps futile effort to build an edifice in the middle of a desert, symbolizing an environment where love and attention are scarce. The act of constructing something so grand in a place so barren reflects the deep yearning for connection and the hope that such a grand gesture might bridge the emotional distance between the protagonist and their beloved.
The imagery of decorating a garden with cotton roses and watering it with blood-tinged tears further emphasizes the intensity of the protagonist's emotions. These actions are desperate attempts to nurture a relationship that seems to be unacknowledged by the other party. The repeated chorus, expressing the protagonist's hallucinatory visions of their love in every face and the sensation of embracing them without touch, conveys a sense of madness brought on by intense longing. Despite recognizing the insanity of the situation, the protagonist finds solace in these delusions, suggesting that the pain of unrequited love is somewhat alleviated by the mere illusion of closeness.
The song's narrative is a testament to the powerful and often irrational nature of love. It explores the idea that love can drive individuals to extreme actions and that the absence of reciprocation can lead to a sense of isolation and madness. Yet, there is a bittersweet acceptance in the protagonist's acknowledgment that their delusions 'make them feel good,' highlighting the complex emotions involved in loving someone who may never return that love.