Realejo
O Teatro Mágico
The Hopeful Melody of 'Realejo' by O Teatro Mágico
The song 'Realejo' by O Teatro Mágico, a Brazilian group known for their mix of circus aesthetics with popular Brazilian rhythms and an independent approach to music, delves into themes of hope, destiny, and the beauty of life's simple pleasures. The title 'Realejo' refers to a street organ, which in Brazilian culture is often associated with luck and fortune as the organ grinder's parrot randomly selects a fortune for the onlooker. The lyrics poetically question whether luck will come from such a realejo, bringing with it the essentials of life, symbolized by bread, knife, and cheese, or perhaps something as sweet and personal as a kiss from a loved one.
The song's chorus emphasizes the importance of embracing life while it is still 'early' or while there is still time. The repetition of 'Enquanto for... um berço meu' (As long as it is... my cradle) and 'Enquanto for... um terço meu' (As long as it is... a third of mine) suggests a deep appreciation for the present moment and the things one holds dear. The lyrics 'Serás vida... bem vinda' (You will be life... welcome) and 'Serás viva... bem viva' (You will be alive... very alive) in me, reinforce the idea of cherishing life and the vitality it brings.
The final lines of the song, 'Os opostos se distraem, Os dispostos se atraem' (Opposites get distracted, the willing attract each other), offer a philosophical reflection on relationships and attraction. It implies that while opposites may lose focus, those who are truly ready and willing to engage with one another will find a connection. This line encapsulates the song's overall message of optimism and the belief that embracing life's journey, with all its ups and downs, leads to fulfillment and joy.