Cego Com Cego

Tom Zé's 'Cego Com Cego' is a rich tapestry of metaphors and vivid imagery that explores themes of perception, reality, and the human condition. The song opens with the striking image of a blind man reading the strings of a viola, setting the stage for a series of paradoxes and contrasts. This duel of the blind in the sertão (Brazilian hinterlands) symbolizes the struggle and resilience of those who navigate life without conventional sight, suggesting that true vision may lie beyond the physical ability to see.

The lyrics continue to weave a complex narrative, juxtaposing the blind man's actions with other surreal images, such as a black bird flying far away and a blind goat perceiving darkness. These images evoke a sense of mystery and the unknown, challenging the listener to question their own perceptions and the nature of reality. The mention of the 'replica of the replica of the Bible' and the 'invention of a singer of science' further blurs the lines between faith, knowledge, and creativity, suggesting that all forms of understanding are subject to interpretation and reinvention.

As the song progresses, Tom Zé delves deeper into existential themes, reflecting on life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence. The line 'people only die to prove they lived' encapsulates the paradox of human experience, where the inevitability of death gives meaning to life. The imagery of the moon on the back of a comet and the meeting of day and night in the Milky Way underscores the interconnectedness of all things, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the universe. Through 'Cego Com Cego,' Tom Zé invites listeners to embrace the uncertainties of life and find meaning in the interplay of light and darkness, sight and blindness, reality and illusion.