O Que É Bonito?
Lenine
Embracing Imperfection: The Beauty of the Incomplete in Lenine's 'O Que É Bonito?'
Lenine's song 'O Que É Bonito?' delves into the philosophical exploration of beauty and imperfection. The lyrics challenge conventional notions of beauty, suggesting that true beauty lies not in perfection but in the pursuit of the infinite and the incomplete. Lenine contrasts the idea of the 'bonito' (beautiful) with his preference for the 'inacabado' (unfinished), the 'imperfeito' (imperfect), and the 'estragado' (damaged). This perspective invites listeners to appreciate the raw, unpolished aspects of life that often go unnoticed or are undervalued.
The song's lyrics also reflect a desire for authenticity and spontaneity. Lenine expresses a preference for the 'grito' (scream) over the 'gravação' (recording), symbolizing a yearning for genuine, unfiltered expression rather than polished, rehearsed performances. This theme is further emphasized by his wish to 'namorar o zero e o não' (court zero and no), indicating a fascination with beginnings, voids, and negations rather than completed, affirmative states. This aligns with the broader artistic and existential quest for meaning in the transient and ephemeral aspects of life.
Culturally, Lenine's lyrics resonate with the Brazilian appreciation for the imperfect and the transient, reflecting a broader societal acceptance of life's inherent chaos and unpredictability. The song's embrace of erosion over granite symbolizes a preference for natural, organic processes over rigid, unchanging structures. By celebrating what 'despe' (undresses), 'se despede' (says goodbye), and 'despedaça' (shatters), Lenine invites listeners to find beauty in the fleeting and the broken, encouraging a deeper, more nuanced understanding of what it means to be truly alive.