É Fim De Mês
Raul Seixas
The Endless Cycle of Bills: A Satirical Take on Modern Life
Raul Seixas' song "É Fim De Mês" is a satirical commentary on the relentless cycle of financial obligations that define modern life. The repetitive chorus, "É fim de mês," underscores the never-ending nature of monthly bills and expenses. Seixas lists a litany of payments he has made, from utilities and rent to clothing and religious items, painting a vivid picture of a life consumed by financial responsibilities. The mention of paying for a kitnet (a small apartment) through federal loans and the sarcastic remark "Eu não sou cachorro não" (I'm not a dog) highlight the dehumanizing aspect of this constant struggle to make ends meet.
The song delves deeper into the existential search for meaning amidst this financial grind. Seixas recounts his journey through various religious and philosophical beliefs, from Catholicism to Buddhism, and even the countercultural movements of the 60s and 70s. Despite his extensive search, he finds no solace or answers, symbolizing the futility of seeking spiritual fulfillment in a materialistic world. The line "Eu sou sucesso!" (I am success) is a biting critique of consumer culture, where success is measured by material possessions and societal status rather than personal fulfillment.
Seixas also touches on the absurdity of modern conveniences and the compromises people make to maintain them. He humorously describes paying for a psychiatrist who teaches him to live contentedly within this system, adapting to a life of conformity and silent suffering. The song's climax, where he mentions paying for his own grave, serves as a darkly comedic reminder of the ultimate futility of these efforts. In the end, the cycle of bills and payments continues, a never-ending loop that defines and confines modern existence.