120... 150... 200 Km Por Hora

Roberto Carlos' song '120... 150... 200 Km Por Hora' is a poignant exploration of emotional turmoil and existential angst, conveyed through the metaphor of high-speed driving. The song's protagonist is depicted as speeding through life, with the increasing speed of the car symbolizing his escalating attempt to escape from his past, his sorrows, and a haunting relationship. The lyrics vividly describe the sensation of time and life passing by rapidly, as the protagonist's speedometer climbs from 120 to 200 kilometers per hour. This acceleration mirrors his desperate need to outrun his memories and emotions.

The imagery in the song is powerful and evocative. Trees and images blur as the speed increases, representing the protagonist's disconnection from reality and his surroundings. The night setting and the mention of turning on the headlights at 160 km/h add to the sense of isolation and darkness that envelops him. The protagonist's journey is not just a physical one but also a deeply emotional and psychological escape. He is fleeing from a past relationship, as indicated by the repeated lines about running away from 'you.' This 'you' could symbolize a lost love or a painful memory that he cannot seem to shake off.

The song also touches on themes of loneliness and existential despair. The protagonist feels forgotten by the world, as he speeds through life without a clear destination or purpose. The line 'Vou voando pela vida sem querer chegar' (I'm flying through life without wanting to arrive) encapsulates his aimless journey. Despite his efforts to escape, he is haunted by a sense of emptiness and the realization that he is alone in his high-speed flight. The song's conclusion, with the protagonist deciding to focus on the road instead of his thoughts, suggests a momentary reprieve from his emotional turmoil, but the underlying sense of unresolved pain remains.