Assim Assado

The song 'Assim Assado' by the Brazilian band Secos & Molhados is a cryptic and metaphorical piece that seems to delve into themes of authority, conformity, and the arbitrary nature of societal norms. The lyrics describe a scene in the early hours of the morning where an old man in an old suit is confronted by a figure referred to as 'Guarda Belo,' which translates to 'Beautiful Guard.' This guard appears to judge the old man based on superficial aspects, such as his attire and possibly his skin color, as suggested by the line 'Quando aparece a cor do velho' ('When the color of the old man appears').

The guard's desire for the old man to be 'assado' (roasted or baked) could be interpreted as a metaphor for the pressure to conform to societal expectations or the punishment for non-conformity. The repetition of 'assim assado' (like this, roasted) might symbolize the cyclical and unchanging nature of these societal pressures. The old man's eventual death and the guard's emergence as a hero could be a commentary on how society often upholds those who enforce conformity and marginalizes those who do not fit the mold.

Secos & Molhados were known for their avant-garde approach to music and their theatrical performances, often addressing social and political issues in their work. 'Assim Assado' could be seen as a reflection of the oppressive atmosphere during Brazil's military dictatorship in the 1970s, a time when the band was active. The song's abstract lyrics allow for multiple interpretations, but the overarching theme seems to be a critique of the mechanisms of control and the absurdity of the criteria used to judge and exclude individuals.