Drops de Hortelã (part. Glória Pires)

Oswaldo Montenegro's song 'Drops de Hortelã,' featuring Glória Pires, delves into the themes of uncertainty, self-discovery, and the search for meaning. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is unsure of their path, questioning their happiness and purpose. The repetition of 'eu não sei' (I don't know) underscores the protagonist's confusion and introspection. This phrase becomes a mantra that reflects the universal human experience of grappling with life's uncertainties and the quest for self-understanding.

The song's imagery is rich with metaphors that convey the protagonist's inner turmoil and aspirations. For instance, the line 'Eu me sentia, eu não sei, um americano em Paris' (I felt, I don't know, like an American in Paris) suggests a sense of displacement and the search for identity in unfamiliar surroundings. The reference to making a song 'nissei' (a term for second-generation Japanese immigrants) further emphasizes the theme of cultural and personal identity. The protagonist's musings about creating art, whether through music or drawing with chalk, highlight a desire for expression and the struggle to find one's voice.

The mention of 'Curitiba' and the enjoyment of life there introduces a moment of clarity and contentment amidst the confusion. The metaphor of 'drops de hortelã' (mint drops) symbolizes small moments of sweetness and relief in the midst of life's complexities. The final lines, 'Fiz um drops de hortelã da bala que eu te dei / Para atirar no porém, da frase que eu nunca fiz' (I made a mint drop from the candy I gave you / To shoot at the 'but' of the phrase I never made), suggest an attempt to find closure and resolve unfinished thoughts or feelings. Montenegro's poetic lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the moments of clarity that punctuate the uncertainty of life.