Os Anjos

Legião Urbana's song 'Os Anjos' is a poignant reflection on the darker aspects of human nature and the overwhelming sense of helplessness that can accompany them. The lyrics, penned by the band's lead singer Renato Russo, delve into themes of human cruelty, deceit, and the pervasive sense of disillusionment that can arise from witnessing such behavior. The repeated refrain 'Hoje não dá' (Today it’s not possible) underscores a feeling of being overwhelmed and unable to cope with the negativity surrounding the narrator.

The song employs a metaphorical recipe to illustrate the components of human folly. Ingredients like 'stupidity,' 'lies,' 'hatred,' 'envy,' and 'laziness' are mixed together, creating a concoction that represents the worst aspects of humanity. This metaphor serves to highlight how these negative traits are not isolated but rather combined to create a toxic environment. The use of culinary terms to describe these traits adds a layer of irony, as it juxtaposes the mundane act of cooking with the profound impact of human vices.

Despite the bleak outlook, there is a yearning for escape and a return to innocence, as evidenced by lines like 'Está um dia tão bonito lá fora e eu quero brincar' (It's such a beautiful day outside and I want to play). This contrast between the desire for simplicity and the harsh reality of the world creates a poignant tension. The narrator's wish to 'consertar a minha asa quebrada e descansar' (fix my broken wing and rest) symbolizes a need for healing and respite from the burdens of awareness. Ultimately, the song captures the struggle between confronting harsh truths and the desire to retreat into a simpler, more innocent state of being.