Igual Com Igual
Ronaldo Estevam
The Painful Path to Individuality
Ronaldo Estevam's song 'Igual Com Igual' delves into the complexities of individuality and the necessity of separation for personal growth. The lyrics begin by describing an idealistic unity, where everything seems harmonious and synchronized. The phrase 'Dois formando três' (Two forming three) suggests a close-knit relationship, possibly a family or a partnership, that is striving for more. However, the song quickly shifts to the idea that nature itself demands diversity and that being too similar ('Igual com igual') hinders improvement and evolution. This sets the stage for the central theme: the need for separation to foster individual growth.
The song uses the metaphor of childbirth to illustrate this painful but necessary separation. The 'cordão umbilical' (umbilical cord) represents the initial connection that must be severed for the individual to thrive. The 'cirurgia dói e é fria' (surgery hurts and is cold) emphasizes the discomfort and emotional pain involved in this process. The repeated lines 'Querer dormir, querer dormir / Não vai adiantar' (Wanting to sleep, wanting to sleep / It won't help) suggest that avoiding this pain or trying to escape it is futile. The song underscores that true evolution and personal development require facing and enduring this discomfort.
Estevam's musical style often blends introspective lyrics with evocative melodies, creating a reflective atmosphere that encourages listeners to ponder their own experiences of growth and separation. 'Igual Com Igual' is a poignant reminder that while unity and similarity can be comforting, they can also be limiting. The song advocates for embracing the pain of separation as a necessary step toward individual evolution and self-discovery.