Depois
Pato Fu
Procrastination and Emotional Avoidance in 'Depois' by Pato Fu
Pato Fu's song 'Depois' delves into the themes of procrastination and emotional avoidance. The lyrics reflect a sense of postponement and hesitation, particularly in the context of relationships. The repeated lines 'Quando penso em nós dois, deixo tudo pra depois' (When I think of us two, I leave everything for later) and 'Quando penso em nós três, fica pra outra vez' (When I think of us three, it stays for another time) highlight the narrator's tendency to delay dealing with emotional matters. This procrastination is not just about mundane tasks but extends to significant personal relationships, indicating a deeper struggle with commitment and confrontation of feelings.
The song also touches on the daily attempts to find motivation and energy, as seen in the lines 'Tomo um café e um guaraná pra me animar' (I drink a coffee and a guaraná to cheer me up). Despite these efforts, the narrator often finds it too late to take action, symbolizing a cycle of inaction and missed opportunities. The mention of 'carnaval' (carnival) suggests a longing for a time of joy and celebration, contrasting with the current state of inertia and sadness.
Pato Fu, known for their eclectic and innovative musical style, often blends humor with introspective lyrics. In 'Depois,' the band captures the universal human experience of putting off difficult decisions and the internal conflict that comes with it. The song's repetitive structure mirrors the repetitive nature of procrastination, emphasizing how easy it is to fall into a pattern of delay. The promise to resolve everything 'Assim que tiver coragem e mais nenhum compromisso' (As soon as I have courage and no other commitments) underscores the elusive nature of courage and the constant presence of other distractions.