Zezinho

Tiririca's song 'Zezinho' is a humorous and light-hearted exploration of identity and the cultural significance of names. The narrative begins with the singer recounting his birth and his mother's promise to dedicate him to Jesus, which includes a ritual of cutting his hair and giving him a holy name at the age of seven. This sets the stage for the central conflict of the song: the young boy's resistance to the names his mother suggests.

As the boy reaches the age of seven, he becomes aware of his preferences and begins to assert his own identity. His mother proposes a series of traditional names—João, Antonio, Francisco, Raimundo, Sebastião, Emanuel, and Joaquim—but the boy rejects each one with a repetitive and emphatic 'no, mamãe.' This repetition not only adds a comedic element but also highlights the boy's growing sense of self and his desire to have a say in his own identity.

The climax of the song occurs when the mother, in a moment of frustration, decides to name him José, threatening him with a spanking if he refuses. The boy's immediate acceptance of the name 'Zezinho' (a diminutive form of José) is both humorous and telling. It suggests a compromise between the mother's authority and the boy's autonomy. The playful dialogue and the boy's eventual acceptance of the name 'Zezinho' underscore the cultural importance of names in Brazilian society and the familial dynamics involved in naming a child.

Tiririca, known for his comedic style and satirical take on everyday life, uses 'Zezinho' to blend humor with a deeper commentary on identity, tradition, and the parent-child relationship. The song's catchy and repetitive structure makes it memorable, while its underlying message resonates with anyone who has ever struggled with the names and labels imposed upon them by others.