Pirraça

Vanessa da Mata's song 'Pirraça' delves into the whimsical and often frustrating nature of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how time can seem to stretch endlessly or fly by, depending on one's activities and state of mind. The song opens with the singer noting how time passes quickly when she is not paying attention, but slows down dramatically when she is waiting for something, like the water to boil for her coffee. This dichotomy sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the capriciousness of time.

The chorus emphasizes this idea with the repetition of the phrase 'O tempo pirraça,' which translates to 'Time teases.' This personification of time as a mischievous entity highlights the frustration and impatience that often accompany waiting. The singer describes how time seems to mock her, especially in mundane situations like waiting for the kettle to whistle or watching the clock at work. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, with the clock's ticking and the waiting, mirrors the monotonous and seemingly endless passage of time in these moments.

In contrast, the song also explores how time flies when one is engaged in enjoyable activities, such as meeting friends for coffee. The playful imagery of 'pega-pega' (a Brazilian children's game similar to tag) underscores the fleeting nature of these joyful moments. The listing of various sweets in the latter part of the song adds a sensory layer to the experience, evoking the comfort and distraction found in indulging in treats while waiting. This juxtaposition of slow and fast time, along with the sensory details, creates a rich tapestry that captures the complex relationship humans have with time.