Tiro ao Álvaro

João Sabiá's song 'Tiro ao Álvaro' is a poetic exploration of the intense and sometimes painful impact of love and attraction. The lyrics vividly describe how the protagonist feels as if his heart has been repeatedly struck by the piercing gaze of his beloved. The metaphor of a 'tábua de tiro ao álvaro' (a shooting target board) is used to illustrate the extent of the emotional wounds inflicted by the lover's eyes. This imagery suggests that the protagonist's heart is so riddled with metaphorical arrows that there is no space left for more, emphasizing the depth of his emotional turmoil.

The song employs hyperbolic comparisons to convey the lethal power of the lover's gaze. The protagonist claims that her look is more deadly than a carbine bullet, strychnine poison, a Baiano's knife, a car accident, or a revolver bullet. These exaggerated comparisons serve to highlight the overwhelming and consuming nature of his feelings. The use of such intense imagery underscores the idea that love can be as powerful and destructive as physical violence, capturing the listener's attention and evoking a strong emotional response.

'Tiro ao Álvaro' also reflects a sense of helplessness and vulnerability. The repeated refrain of having no more space for wounds on his heart suggests that the protagonist is at the mercy of his emotions, unable to escape the pain caused by his lover's gaze. This sense of being overwhelmed by love is a common theme in romantic music, but João Sabiá's use of vivid and violent imagery sets this song apart, making it a poignant and memorable expression of the complexities of love and desire.