Bichos da Noite

Sérgio Ricardo's song 'Bichos da Noite' is a haunting and vivid portrayal of the mysterious and often frightening world that comes alive at night. The lyrics paint a picture of a nocturnal landscape filled with mythical creatures and eerie sounds, creating an atmosphere of suspense and unease. The song opens with the mention of 'many hours of the night,' setting the stage for a series of supernatural events and encounters. The jaguar, a symbol of power and mystery, dances alongside other mythical beings like caipora and babau, adding to the surreal and otherworldly feel of the song.

The lyrics delve deeper into the theme of fear and the unknown, describing a 'party of fear and fright' where ghosts and spirits gather. The imagery of a woodpecker piercing the night with its beak adds a sense of urgency and tension. The presence of a sorcerer casting spells and performing rituals further amplifies the sense of dread. The mention of 'mandingas' and 'xangô' references Afro-Brazilian religious practices, grounding the song in a specific cultural context and highlighting the rich tapestry of Brazilian folklore.

As the song progresses, the sense of danger and foreboding intensifies. A forgotten hunter watches from a high perch, unable to see familiar animals but only the jaguar and babau. The song concludes with a series of tragic and unsettling images: someone sobbing and lamenting the cruelty of the world, a woodpecker pecking at the shadows, and a person agonizing in a river that offers no escape. These closing lines underscore the song's exploration of the darker aspects of the human experience, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of unease and contemplation.