Era Um Garoto Que Como Eu Amava os Beatles e os Rolling Stones

“Era Um Garoto Que Como Eu Amava os Beatles e os Rolling Stones” by Os Incríveis is a poignant song that juxtaposes the carefree spirit of youth with the brutal realities of war. The song tells the story of a young man who, like many of his generation, is deeply influenced by the music of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. He travels the world, singing about the beautiful things in America, embodying the ideals of freedom and peace. Despite not being conventionally handsome, his passion for music attracts many admirers, and he finds joy in performing iconic songs like “Help,” “Ticket to Ride,” and “Yesterday.”

However, his idyllic life takes a drastic turn when he receives an unexpected draft letter, calling him to serve in the Vietnam War. The lyrics starkly contrast his previous life of musical freedom with the harsh demands of military service. The repeated refrain “Stop! Com Rolling Stones! Stop! Com Beatles songs” underscores the abrupt end to his musical dreams as he is sent to fight in Vietnam. The once vibrant and lively young man is now reduced to a soldier, wielding a weapon that only produces the monotonous sound of gunfire, “ra-tá-tá-tá.”

The song further delves into the devastating impact of war on the individual. The young man no longer has long hair or plays his guitar; instead, he is surrounded by death and destruction. The imagery of him not having friends or seeing girls, only dead bodies, paints a grim picture of his new reality. The final verses reveal the ultimate tragedy: he will not return to his country because he has died in Vietnam. The once-beating heart that loved music is now replaced by two medals, symbolizing the hollow recognition of his sacrifice. This powerful narrative serves as a critique of war and a lament for the lost dreams of a generation.