Insônia
VHS 80's
The Endless Night: A Journey Through Insomnia and Loneliness
The song 'Insônia' by VHS 80's delves deep into the struggles of insomnia and the pervasive sense of loneliness that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who spends their nights wandering through the city, unable to find rest. The mention of 'Metro, ônibus' (subway, bus) suggests a life in constant motion, yet paradoxically stagnant, as the protagonist is trapped in a cycle of sleeplessness and solitude. This imagery evokes a sense of urban alienation, where despite being surrounded by people, the individual feels profoundly alone.
The song's narrative continues to explore the theme of loneliness, with the protagonist acknowledging that it has been a constant companion throughout their life. The list of places—'Bares, carros, calçadas, lojas' (bars, cars, sidewalks, stores)—emphasizes that this feeling of isolation is inescapable, no matter the setting. The repetition of 'Não tem saída' (There is no way out) underscores the hopelessness and resignation that the protagonist feels. This sense of entrapment is further highlighted by the grueling '12 horas de trabalho' (12 hours of work), which still leaves them sleepless and restless.
The lyrics also touch on a deeper existential crisis, as the protagonist expresses a longing for direction and purpose in life. They reject the idea of 'narcisismo mórbido' (morbid narcissism) as a life goal, indicating a desire for something more meaningful and fulfilling. The closing line, 'Eu acho que eu preciso me tornar uma pessoa como todas as outras' (I think I need to become a person like everyone else), reveals a yearning for normalcy and connection, suggesting that the protagonist's insomnia and loneliness are symptoms of a deeper disconnection from society and themselves.