Degustação
Rita Lee
A Grotesque Satire on Consumption: Rita Lee's 'Degustação'
Rita Lee's song 'Degustação' is a striking example of her unique ability to blend humor, satire, and social commentary. Known as the 'Queen of Rock' in Brazil, Rita Lee has always been a trailblazer in addressing unconventional themes with a bold and irreverent style. In 'Degustação,' she takes the listener on a bizarre culinary journey, using grotesque and shocking imagery to make a point about consumption and perhaps the absurdity of certain societal norms.
The lyrics of 'Degustação' are filled with vivid and repulsive descriptions of consuming bodily fluids and excretions. Lines like 'Querida, vamos chupar ferida?' and 'Prefiro um copo de pus' are designed to provoke a strong reaction from the listener. This use of grotesque imagery serves as a metaphor for the often mindless and unhealthy consumption habits prevalent in modern society. By exaggerating these habits to the point of absurdity, Lee forces the listener to confront the reality of what they consume, both physically and metaphorically.
The song's closing lines, 'Tome um gole desse biodegradável / Nada como uma vidinha saudável!' add a layer of irony to the narrative. After a litany of disgusting 'delicacies,' the suggestion to drink something 'biodegradable' and the sarcastic remark about a 'healthy little life' underscore the hypocrisy and contradictions in societal attitudes towards health and consumption. Rita Lee's 'Degustação' is not just a song; it's a provocative piece of art that challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with consumption and the often grotesque nature of what is considered 'normal.'