Bairro Do Oriente

Rui Veloso's song 'Bairro Do Oriente' is a rich tapestry of exotic imagery and romantic nostalgia. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a home filled with artifacts from various cultures, each item symbolizing a piece of the narrator's past adventures and loves. The 'velha cornucópia' filled with lavender and Ethiopian orchids suggests a blend of the familiar and the foreign, a theme that runs throughout the song. This mix of scents and sights creates an atmosphere of both comfort and mystery, inviting the listener into a world that is both intimate and expansive.

The song continues to weave this intricate narrative with mentions of a transistor by the bed playing harp and oboe music, and songs from distant lands. This detail not only highlights the narrator's eclectic taste but also serves as a metaphor for the diverse experiences and emotions that have shaped their life. The lamparina from the Arab world, used to light up nights of wise love, adds a layer of sensuality and ancient wisdom to the narrative. The use of a kama-sutra reference further emphasizes the depth and complexity of the romantic experiences being described.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes even more vivid with the mention of a water pipe and an astrolabe given by Bedouins. These items symbolize relaxation and a cosmic connection, respectively, suggesting that the narrator's love is both grounded and celestial. The invitation to 'rebolar na cama e no jardim' (roll in bed and in the garden) is a call to embrace both the physical and natural aspects of love, defying societal norms and judgments. The final lines challenge the 'código pasquim' (gossip code) that condemns their love, advocating for a pure, cherubic form of intimacy that transcends conventional boundaries.