The Ribbon

Rodrigo Amarante's song 'The Ribbon' is a profound exploration of power, deception, and the often hidden machinations behind public facades. The song opens with the imagery of a ribbon being cut, symbolizing the commencement of an event or the unveiling of something significant. The subsequent lines, 'Now cameras are gone / The news are all one / The party goes on,' suggest a critique of media and public perception, hinting at how events are manipulated and controlled once the spotlight fades.

The narrative then shifts to a more personal encounter, where the protagonist meets a figure who offers guidance and a sense of direction. The lines 'Born with a heart / He poured me the one / Fixed me up straight' imply a moment of mentorship or initiation. However, the advice given, 'Hell can only do you good / You’ll be where you should,' carries a sinister undertone, suggesting that hardship and moral compromise are necessary for success. This is further emphasized by the act of kissing the ring, a gesture of submission and allegiance to authority.

The song also delves into themes of justice and morality, personified by a blind woman with 'angels at guard / Servants of lords / With a scale and a sword.' This imagery evokes the figure of Lady Justice, symbolizing the impartiality and complexity of justice. The woman's warning, 'Classifieds will never show / What the aces do / To the queen of hearts,' underscores the hidden truths and manipulations that occur behind the scenes, unseen by the public eye. The song concludes with a sense of resigned awareness, encapsulated in the simple yet profound statement, 'I know.'

Amarante's lyrical craftsmanship in 'The Ribbon' invites listeners to reflect on the intricate and often opaque nature of power structures, urging a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our world.