As Portas

Raphael Nercessian's song 'As Portas' delves deep into the dichotomy between societal celebrations and the personal struggles that often go unnoticed. The song opens with a depiction of festive scenes, such as New Year's Eve and weekends filled with revelry. However, this jubilant imagery quickly contrasts with the artist's personal narrative of ongoing struggle and oppression. The repetition of 'E tome badalação' (And take the partying) underscores the superficial distractions that mask deeper societal issues.

Nercessian poignantly addresses the systemic oppression and abandonment faced by his community. He questions the benefits of these celebrations when his people remain oppressed and unsupported. The line 'Cresci e não me avisaram que eu ia viver de porta em porta' (I grew up and no one told me I would live from door to door) highlights a life of uncertainty and constant searching for stability. This metaphor of 'living from door to door' symbolizes the endless quest for opportunities and acceptance in a world that often shuts its doors on the marginalized.

The song also touches on the broader societal issues, such as the superficial measures taken to maintain appearances ('A gente vai tapando o Sol com a peneira' - We cover the sun with a sieve) and the exploitation of the vulnerable ('E derruba ele na porta do bar e ainda leva a grana do cara' - And knock him down at the bar door and still take his money). The narrative shifts to a more personal tone, reflecting on lost relationships, the search for meaning, and the fleeting nature of time. The imagery of the beach and the calmness of the waves serve as a moment of introspection and realization, contrasting with the chaos of everyday life. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the protagonist finding a sense of peace and direction, symbolized by the line 'E desse dia em diante ele nunca mais se perdeu' (And from that day on, he never got lost again).