Fala
Ney Matogrosso
The Art of Listening in Ney Matogrosso's 'Fala'
Ney Matogrosso's song 'Fala' is a profound exploration of the importance of listening and the power of silence. The lyrics, though simple, carry a deep message about communication and understanding. Matogrosso begins by admitting his inability to speak without purpose, emphasizing that he prefers to listen. This sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting the value of being a good listener in a world where everyone is eager to speak but few are willing to truly hear others.
The repetition of the word 'Fala' (which means 'speak' in Portuguese) juxtaposed with the act of listening creates a powerful contrast. It suggests that while speaking is important, it is equally crucial to listen and understand before responding. The lalalalalalalalalá serves as a musical interlude, perhaps symbolizing the noise and chatter that often fills conversations, yet Matogrosso chooses to focus on the meaningful words that come through when one truly listens.
Matogrosso's approach to communication is reflective of a deeper cultural and philosophical stance. In many ways, the song can be seen as a critique of superficial conversations and a call for more meaningful interactions. By stating that he will only speak when it is necessary, Matogrosso underscores the importance of thoughtful and deliberate communication. This resonates with the idea that sometimes, silence can be more powerful than words, and that understanding comes from truly listening to others.