A Mulher do Meu Patrão
Luiz Gonzaga
The Contrasting Lives of Two Women
Luiz Gonzaga's song "A Mulher do Meu Patrão" paints a vivid picture of the contrasting lives of two women: the wealthy wife of his boss and his own humble partner. The lyrics begin by expressing pity for the boss's wife, who, despite her beauty and wealth, leads a life of emptiness and boredom. She has no children to care for, which is implied to be a deliberate choice to maintain her youth. This lack of purpose leaves her nervous and suffering, as she has nothing meaningful to occupy her time.
In stark contrast, Gonzaga describes the life of his own partner, who is busy with the daily chores of rural life. She has fifteen children to look after, along with numerous household tasks such as cooking, washing clothes, and fetching water. Despite the hard work and the challenges of raising a large family, she finds contentment and happiness in her simple life. The song highlights her resilience and the joy she derives from her responsibilities, which give her life meaning and purpose.
The song also touches on the theme of love and affection. Despite the demanding nature of their lives, Gonzaga and his partner still find time for each other, sharing moments of tenderness and intimacy. This stands in contrast to the lonely and unfulfilled existence of the boss's wife. Through this comparison, Gonzaga emphasizes the value of a life filled with love, purpose, and hard work over one of idle luxury and superficial beauty.