Movido a Álcool

Raul Seixas' song "Movido a Álcool" delves into the complexities and ironies of societal changes, particularly focusing on the shift from traditional uses of alcohol to its industrial applications. The protagonist addresses a figure of authority, referred to as "dotô" (doctor), expressing confusion and seeking clarity about the strange occurrences around him. He mentions having invested his limited resources in planting sugarcane, as requested, only to find that the demand for alcohol has shifted from consumption in bars to use in automobiles. This shift symbolizes a broader societal change, where traditional pleasures and cultural practices are being overshadowed by industrial and economic priorities.

The lyrics highlight the absurdity and sadness of this transition. The protagonist laments the use of alcohol as fuel, describing it as "a coisa mais sem graça" (the most boring thing) he has ever heard of. This line underscores the loss of joy and cultural significance associated with alcohol consumption in social settings. The song questions the rationale behind this shift, pointing out that even the new use of alcohol will eventually come to an end, suggesting a cyclical nature of societal changes that often disregard individual and cultural happiness.

In the final verse, Seixas draws a parallel between poets and dreamers, emphasizing the importance of dreams and creativity in human life. He imagines a poet inspired by Coca-Cola, a symbol of modern industrialization and commercialization, and questions the kind of poetry that would emerge from such inspiration. This metaphor serves to critique the homogenization and loss of cultural richness in a world driven by industrial and economic forces. The song ultimately calls for a balance between progress and the preservation of cultural and individual dreams, highlighting the need for a society that values both innovation and tradition.