Tijolão
Jorge & Mateus
Heartbreak in the Digital Age: The Struggle of Moving On
The song "Tijolão" by Jorge & Mateus delves into the emotional turmoil of a breakup in the modern digital age. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's struggle to move on from a past relationship, exacerbated by the constant reminders of their ex-partner's happiness on social media. The opening lines reveal the protagonist's confusion and pain, questioning how their ex could harbor so much animosity. This sets the stage for the emotional journey that follows.
The chorus highlights the protagonist's desperation to escape the digital reminders of their ex's new life. They express a desire to trade their smartphone for an old Nokia "tijolão," a basic phone that only allows calls and text messages. This metaphor underscores the overwhelming impact of social media on their mental health, as each new video or photo of their ex enjoying life without them feels like a dagger to the heart. The internet, once a tool for connection, has become a weapon of emotional distress.
Throughout the song, the protagonist's attempts to cope with their heartbreak are depicted through scenes of drinking in a bar and futilely trying to forget their ex. The repeated plea for their ex to block them on social media highlights the paradox of wanting to move on while being unable to resist the temptation to check up on them. The song captures the universal struggle of dealing with a breakup in an era where digital connections make it harder to sever emotional ties. Jorge & Mateus effectively convey the pain and frustration of trying to heal in a world where the past is just a click away.