The All-Consuming Obsession in Roberto Carlos' 'Obsessão'

Roberto Carlos' song 'Obsessão' delves into the intense and overwhelming nature of infatuation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who becomes utterly consumed by his thoughts of a woman, to the point where he sees her face everywhere he looks. This obsession begins innocently enough, with the protagonist noticing his neighbor and making futile attempts to catch her attention. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that his fixation is spiraling out of control.

The protagonist's obsession is so powerful that it infiltrates every aspect of his life. At work, he is distracted, seeing his boss as the object of his desire due to her similar perfume. Even mundane activities like listening to the radio or watching television become torturous, as he imagines the woman in every song and every news anchor. This relentless preoccupation highlights the consuming nature of obsession, where reality and fantasy blur, leading to a state of constant distraction and longing.

Roberto Carlos uses this narrative to explore the psychological impact of unrequited love and infatuation. The song's repetitive structure and the protagonist's constant return to thoughts of the woman emphasize the cyclical and inescapable nature of his obsession. The final lines, where he imagines her in his bed, suggest a surrender to his fantasies, blurring the line between reality and illusion. Through 'Obsessão,' Carlos captures the torment and allure of an all-consuming infatuation, offering a poignant reflection on the power of desire and the human mind's capacity for obsession.

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  1. Mujer de 40 (Mulher de 40)
  2. Eu Quero Apenas (Um Milhão de Amigos)
  3. Como Vai Você (part. Ana Castela)
  4. El Camionero (Versión 2)
  5. Jogo de Damas
  6. Abrázame Así
  7. Eu Daria a Minha Vida
  8. Intenta Olvidar
  9. Por Amor
  10. Jerusalém de Ouro (Yerushalayim Shel Zahav)
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