Postal de Amor
Ney Matogrosso
The Ephemeral Nature of Love in 'Postal de Amor'
Ney Matogrosso's 'Postal de Amor' is a poignant exploration of the fleeting and often superficial nature of love. The song opens with the imagery of a 'postal,' a postcard, which is typically a transient and impersonal form of communication. This sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, where love is described as 'sem cor' (without color) and 'banal' (banal), suggesting a lack of depth and genuine emotion. The 'velho postal' (old postcard) symbolizes a love that has lost its vibrancy and significance, reduced to a mere piece of paper with no real value.
The lyrics further delve into the theme of superficiality with references to 'papel crepon' (crepe paper) and 'neon' lights, both of which are visually striking but ultimately insubstantial. The 'noite de neon' (neon night) evokes a sense of artificiality, where everything is bright and flashy but lacks true substance. The 'amor de papel' (paper love) reinforces this idea, as paper is fragile and easily destroyed, much like the love being described. The repeated mention of 'parda voz' (dusky voice) and 'louca' (crazy) adds a layer of emotional turmoil, suggesting that the speaker is caught in a cycle of intense but ultimately unfulfilling relationships.
The recurring imagery of the sea, 'O mar, vai e volta' (The sea, it comes and goes), serves as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of these fleeting romances. The taste of 'licor' (liquor) and 'suor' (sweat) left on the lips symbolizes the lingering but ephemeral pleasures of these encounters. The song captures the bittersweet essence of love that is passionate yet transient, leaving behind a sense of longing and madness. Ney Matogrosso's unique vocal delivery and emotive performance further amplify the song's themes, making 'Postal de Amor' a haunting reflection on the impermanence of love.