Tá Combinado
Maria Bethânia
The Intricacies of Love and Friendship in 'Tá Combinado'
Maria Bethânia's song 'Tá Combinado' delves into the complex relationship between love, friendship, and the human experience. The lyrics suggest an agreement between two people to maintain a relationship that is 'quase nada'—almost nothing—implying a casual connection that involves sex and friendship without the complications of romantic love. The song speaks to the modern concept of relationships that defy traditional labels, focusing on the freedom and honesty between the individuals involved.
The song also explores the potential of human connection to transcend the individual. It speaks of being alone without feeling lonely and opening one's mind to the possibility of something greater within us. This idea of 'the more than human in us' suggests a yearning for a deeper connection and understanding that goes beyond the physical or the superficial aspects of a relationship. It's a call to embrace the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
However, the song takes a turn as it contemplates the unexpected arrival of love. It questions what happens when love, with all its 'tenebroso esplendor'—terrifying splendor—enters the equation uninvited. The lyrics suggest that all plans and agreements become meaningless when faced with the overwhelming power of love. The song ends with a resignation to the unpredictability of love, acknowledging that no matter the intentions, love can render all reason and words worthless. Bethânia's emotive delivery adds depth to the song's exploration of the delicate balance between love and friendship, and the vulnerability of human connections.