As Ilhas

Ney Matogrosso's song 'As Ilhas' is a vivid exploration of surreal and often unsettling imagery, painting a picture of a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The lyrics are a series of fragmented visions, each more bizarre and haunting than the last. From 'mosca urdindo fios de sombra na madrugada' (flies weaving threads of shadow at dawn) to 'peixes no firmamento e tigres no azul das águas' (fish in the sky and tigers in the blue of the waters), the song creates a dreamlike landscape that challenges the listener's perception of reality.

The recurring theme of seeing but not understanding is central to the song. The narrator witnesses a plethora of strange and often contradictory scenes, such as 'um cachorro sem dono à porta de um cemitério' (a stray dog at the cemetery gate) and 'a nudez nos espelhos' (nudity in mirrors). These images evoke a sense of confusion and disorientation, reflecting the complexity and unpredictability of life. The final lines, 'Mas não via claramente a circulação das ilhas nos rios e nas vertentes e vi que não via nada' (But I did not clearly see the circulation of the islands in the rivers and streams and I saw that I saw nothing), underscore the theme of elusive understanding and the limits of human perception.

Ney Matogrosso, known for his theatrical performances and distinctive voice, often delves into themes of existentialism and the human condition. 'As Ilhas' is no exception, as it invites listeners to ponder the mysteries of existence and the often surreal nature of our experiences. The song's rich, poetic language and haunting imagery make it a profound meditation on the nature of reality and our place within it.