Você Não Presta

Mallu Magalhães' song "Você Não Presta" is a vibrant declaration of self-worth and the importance of setting boundaries. The lyrics convey a strong sense of personal empowerment, as the narrator openly shares their scars and inner world, yet firmly excludes a particular person from their life. This exclusion is not out of secrecy or mystery but because the person in question is deemed unworthy or harmful, as suggested by the repeated line, "Só não convido você porque você não presta" (I invite everyone to my party, except you because you are no good).

The song juxtaposes the narrator's openness with their solitary inner empire, highlighting a balance between vulnerability and self-protection. The repeated invitation to a party symbolizes the narrator's willingness to share their life with others, but with a clear boundary against those who bring negativity. This is further emphasized in the lines that describe the uninvited person's deceitful nature, "Você se faz de louca, mas tô sacando seu veneno" (You act crazy, but I see your poison). The narrator's discernment and refusal to let this person into their 'party' or life is a powerful statement of self-respect.

Cultural references to carnival, a time of celebration and freedom in Brazilian culture, add depth to the song. The lyrics suggest that those who have never experienced loss, failure, or madness have not truly lived or understood the essence of carnival. This metaphor extends to life itself, implying that true joy and freedom come from embracing all aspects of the human experience, including its hardships. By excluding the toxic individual, the narrator is choosing a life of genuine, unburdened celebration.