Cruzou Por Mim

In 'Cruzou Por Mim,' Jô Soares delves into the complex emotions of empathy, isolation, and self-awareness. The song narrates an encounter with a beggar, a man who is visibly down on his luck. The protagonist feels a deep connection with this man, recognizing a shared sense of being on the fringes of society. This connection is not just about material poverty but a deeper, existential isolation. The protagonist gives the beggar everything he has, except for the money in his other pocket, highlighting a balance between empathy and self-preservation. This act is not driven by romanticism but by a calculated, almost cynical understanding of human nature.

The song explores the idea of being a 'vadio' (vagabond) and 'pedinte' (beggar) in a metaphorical sense. It’s not about lacking material wealth but about being disconnected from societal norms and expectations. The protagonist sees himself as a wanderer and beggar of time and experiences, not fitting into any conventional role. This existential wandering is contrasted with the more tangible struggles of others, like the poor or the exploited workers. The protagonist rejects the idea of having a 'reason' for his feelings, emphasizing a raw, unfiltered experience of life.

The song also touches on the theme of self-pity and self-awareness. The protagonist feels a profound sense of isolation and melancholy, identifying with Álvaro de Campos, a heteronym of the famous Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa. This identification adds a layer of literary depth, as Álvaro de Campos is known for his existential angst and complex emotional landscape. The protagonist's lucidity, his clear-eyed view of his own condition, becomes both a curse and a form of self-defense. He rejects societal and aesthetic norms, embracing his isolation as a form of truth. The repeated assertion of being 'lucid' underscores a defiant acceptance of his state, rejecting any attempts at conversion or consolation.