Flagra
Rita Lee
Caught in the Act: A Cinematic Romance
Rita Lee's song 'Flagra' paints a vivid picture of a romantic escapade in the dimly lit confines of a cinema. The lyrics transport the listener to a time when the simple act of watching a movie could be an intimate and thrilling experience. The opening lines set the scene: 'No escurinho do cinema, chupando drops de anis' (In the dark of the cinema, sucking anise drops). This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and innocence, as the couple escapes from their daily problems and immerses themselves in a world of fantasy and romance.
The song cleverly references classic Hollywood icons, with the narrator comparing himself and his partner to famous film stars. 'Se a Deborah Kerr que o Gregory Peck, não vou bancar o santinho' (If she's Deborah Kerr and I'm Gregory Peck, I won't play the saint) suggests a playful and passionate relationship. The mention of Mae West and Sheik Valentino further emphasizes the allure and charisma of the couple, as they see themselves as larger-than-life characters in their own love story.
However, the romantic atmosphere is abruptly interrupted when the film projector malfunctions, and the lights come on, exposing the couple to the rest of the audience. 'Mas de repente o filme pifou, e a turma toda logo vaiou' (But suddenly the film broke, and the whole crowd booed). This moment of being 'caught in the act' is both humorous and relatable, capturing the vulnerability and embarrassment that can come with public displays of affection. The repeated exclamation 'Que flagra' (What a catch) underscores the unexpected and awkward nature of the situation, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the song's narrative.