Petróleo do Futuro

Legião Urbana's song 'Petróleo do Futuro' delves into the complexities and frustrations of human connection and societal disarray. The lyrics, penned by the band's iconic frontman Renato Russo, reflect a sense of disillusionment and existential questioning. The recurring phrase 'E o que é que eu tenho a ver com isso?' ('And what do I have to do with this?') underscores a feeling of helplessness and detachment in the face of larger societal issues.

The song opens with the narrator expressing a desire to share dreams and visions, only to be met with skepticism and disbelief. This highlights the difficulty of genuine communication and understanding between individuals. The mention of 'filósofos suicidas' (suicidal philosophers) and 'agricultores famintos' (starving farmers) paints a bleak picture of a world where intellectuals and laborers alike are struggling and disappearing, metaphorically buried under bureaucratic 'arquivos' (files). This imagery suggests a society that is failing its people, lost in paperwork and neglecting human needs.

The chorus reflects a yearning for unity and a sense of belonging, yet acknowledges the impossibility of achieving it. The narrator's identity as a 'brasileiro errado' (wrong Brazilian) living 'em separado' (separately) speaks to a broader sense of alienation and fragmentation within the country. The song's title, 'Petróleo do Futuro' (Oil of the Future), can be interpreted as a metaphor for something valuable yet elusive, much like the unity and understanding the narrator seeks. Ultimately, the song captures the frustration of wanting to bridge divides and connect with others, but feeling powerless to do so.