Solidão

Tom Zé's song 'Solidão' delves deep into the theme of loneliness, portraying it as both a burden and a companion. The repeated phrase 'Solidão, que poeira leve' (Loneliness, what light dust) suggests that loneliness is an omnipresent, almost ethereal entity that lightly settles into one's life. The invitation 'olha a casa é sua' (look, the house is yours) personifies loneliness, giving it a permanent place in the singer's life, indicating acceptance and resignation.

The lyrics explore the paradoxical nature of loss and gain. The line 'Na vida, quem perde o telhado, em troca recebe as estrelas' (In life, those who lose the roof, in return receive the stars) suggests that losing something significant can lead to unexpected beauty or insight. This metaphor highlights the bittersweet nature of solitude, where the absence of one thing makes room for the appreciation of another. The imagery of the sun rising and lighting up the bed sheets further emphasizes the cyclical nature of hope and despair.

Tom Zé also touches on the idea of unfulfilled desires and the harsh realities of power dynamics. The hypothetical scenario where 'se ela nascesse rainha' (if she were born a queen) and the subsequent actions she would take, reflect on the corrupting influence of power and the destructive potential of unchecked ambition. This part of the song contrasts sharply with the earlier acceptance of solitude, suggesting a preference for the simplicity and honesty of being alone over the complexities and moral compromises of power.

The recurring motif of the mistaken phone call ('O telefone chamou, foi engano') symbolizes the false hopes and fleeting connections that often accompany loneliness. The song's melancholic tone and reflective lyrics invite listeners to contemplate their own experiences with solitude, making 'Solidão' a poignant exploration of the human condition.