A Pulga
Toquinho
The Playful Journey of a Flea: Toquinho's 'A Pulga'
Toquinho's song 'A Pulga' is a whimsical and playful narrative that personifies a flea, giving it a voice and a sense of adventure. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, mimicking the flea's rhythmic jumps and bites. The counting from one to six adds a childlike quality to the song, making it feel like a nursery rhyme or a playful chant. This simplicity and repetition are effective in creating a vivid image of the flea's actions and its carefree attitude as it hops from one place to another, causing mild annoyance to its 'freguês' (customer or host).
The flea's journey is depicted humorously, with each jump and bite being a small victory for the tiny creature. The phrase 'Com mais um pulinho, estou na perna do freguês' (With one more little jump, I'm on the customer's leg) and 'Com mais uma mordidinha, coitadinho do freguês' (With one more little bite, poor customer) highlight the flea's mischievous nature. The flea's satisfaction is evident in the line 'Tô de barriguinha cheia' (I'm full), followed by a cheerful farewell in multiple languages, 'Tchau, good bye, auf wiedersehen,' which adds a global touch to the flea's escapade.
Toquinho, a renowned Brazilian musician known for his bossa nova and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) style, often incorporates playful and poetic elements into his music. 'A Pulga' is a perfect example of his ability to create light-hearted, yet memorable songs that appeal to both children and adults. The song's charm lies in its simplicity and the universal experience of dealing with a pesky flea, making it relatable and amusing for listeners of all ages.