Flor do Mamulengo
Luiz Fidelis
The Unrequited Love of a Puppet: A Tale of Yearning and Despair
“Flor do Mamulengo” by Luiz Fidelis is a poignant song that delves into the theme of unrequited love through the metaphor of a puppet show. The protagonist, who identifies as the 'flower of the mamulengo' (a traditional Brazilian puppet theater), falls deeply in love with a puppet. This puppet, however, remains indifferent to her affections, symbolized by the repeated phrase 'neco de se apaixonar,' which means 'he refuses to fall in love.' The repetition of this line emphasizes the protagonist's frustration and despair over the puppet's lack of reciprocation.
The song captures the emotional turmoil of the protagonist, who is on the verge of a breakdown ('Estou com os nervos à flor do pano / De desengano, vou ter um treco'). This line translates to 'My nerves are on edge / From disappointment, I'm going to have a fit,' vividly portraying the intensity of her emotional state. The use of the puppet theater as a metaphor adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that the protagonist feels trapped in a performance where her feelings are not acknowledged or returned.
In the latter part of the song, the protagonist expresses a desperate ultimatum: if she cannot bind the puppet to her in the theater, she will fall apart ('Se no teatro eu não te atar / Boneco, eu juro, vou me esfarrapar'). This line underscores her dependency on the puppet's affection, highlighting the theme of unfulfilled desire and the lengths to which one might go to attain love. The song's repetitive structure and simple yet evocative lyrics create a hauntingly beautiful narrative of longing and despair, making it a powerful exploration of the human condition through the lens of a puppet show.