Aids, Pop, Repressão

Ratos de Porão's song "Aids, Pop, Repressão" is a raw and unfiltered critique of contemporary society, particularly focusing on the disillusionment with the promises of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll. The band, known for their hardcore punk style, uses this song to express their frustration with the commercialization of Brazilian rock music, the dangers associated with sexual freedom, and the criminalization of drug use. The lyrics suggest that what was once seen as liberating and rebellious has now become a source of danger and repression.

The song opens with a stark declaration that Brazilian rock is a commercial farce, stripping away any romanticized notions of the genre's rebellious spirit. This sentiment is further emphasized by the lines that follow, which portray sex as a deadly act and drugs as a criminal issue. The reference to an old phrase that can no longer be spoken hints at a lost era of freedom and expression, now overshadowed by fear and control. The chorus, with its repetition of "Aids, Pop, Repressão," encapsulates the song's central themes of disease, superficiality, and societal repression.

The second verse paints a bleak picture of the present, where even punks, once symbols of rebellion, turn to religion for salvation. The mention of using condoms to avoid infection underscores the pervasive fear of AIDS, a significant concern during the time the song was written. The lament that the pleasures of life have turned into curses reflects a deep sense of loss and disillusionment. The song's closing lines reiterate the initial critique, driving home the message that the once-celebrated trinity of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll has been corrupted and co-opted by commercial and societal forces.