Cavalos Calados

Raul Seixas' song "Cavalos Calados" is a profound exploration of life, death, and the existential limbo that lies between. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is experiencing a form of death that is not just physical but also metaphorical. The opening lines describe a clinical death, with a thermometer and a nurse confirming his demise. This imagery sets the stage for a deeper reflection on the nature of existence and the thin line between life and death.

The song continues to delve into the protagonist's state of being, where he finds himself in a semi-lucid state, caught between life and death. The mention of his "camisa rasgada no peito, escorrendo óleo diesel" (shirt torn on the chest, dripping diesel oil) and "olhos e antenas sobresalentes" (eyes and protruding antennas) suggests a transformation or a mutation, possibly hinting at the dehumanizing effects of modern life. The recurring theme of luck and fate, as seen in lines like "a minha sorte, minha camisa rasgada" (my luck, my torn shirt), adds a layer of irony and resignation to his condition.

The climax of the song is the haunting line, "Meu corpo tem dois mil e tantos cavalos calados" (My body has two thousand and so many silent horses). This metaphor of silent horses could symbolize untapped potential, repressed emotions, or the weight of unfulfilled dreams. The imagery of "pelas Ave Marias cantadas em coro no meu violão" (by the Hail Marys sung in chorus on my guitar) and "pelas ruas sem chão" (by the streets without ground) further emphasizes the spiritual and existential journey the protagonist is on. Raul Seixas, known for his eclectic and often philosophical musical style, uses these metaphors to invite listeners to reflect on their own lives and the silent forces that shape their existence.