Meninos e Meninas

Legião Urbana's song 'Meninos e Meninas' delves into the complexities of self-discovery and the quest for acceptance in a world that often feels chaotic and unkind. The opening lines, 'Quero me encontrar, mas não sei onde estou,' set the tone for a journey of introspection. The narrator is searching for a sense of self and a place of calm, away from the confusion and disrespect that seems to pervade their surroundings. This sense of alienation is further emphasized by the line, 'Tenho quase certeza que eu não sou daqui,' suggesting a feeling of not belonging or being out of place in their current environment.

The song also touches on themes of love and relationships, with the narrator expressing a sense of betrayal and disappointment. Lines like 'Te fiz comida, velei teu sono, fui teu amigo, te levei comigo' highlight the efforts made in a relationship, only to be met with coldness and indifference. This emotional turmoil is compounded by the narrator's struggle to communicate and connect, as seen in 'Estou cansado de bater e ninguém abrir.' The repeated refrain, 'Acho que gosto de São Paulo e gosto de São João, gosto de São Francisco e São Sebastião, e eu gosto de meninos e meninas,' serves as a declaration of the narrator's diverse affections and perhaps a subtle nod to their fluid sexuality.

Renato Russo, the lead singer and lyricist of Legião Urbana, was known for his introspective and often socially conscious lyrics. In 'Meninos e Meninas,' he explores the imperfections of life and relationships, acknowledging that 'São tudo pequenas coisas e tudo deve passar.' The song's candidness about needing friends, money, and affection, as well as the oscillation between love and hate, reflects the human condition's inherent contradictions. Ultimately, the song is a poignant reflection on the search for identity, the pain of unreciprocated love, and the acceptance of life's imperfections.