Eu Não Tenho Nada a Ver Com Isso
Vinicius de Moraes
A Melancholic Reflection on Brazilian Identity
Vinicius de Moraes' song "Eu Não Tenho Nada a Ver Com Isso" is a poignant exploration of personal and national identity, tinged with melancholy and a touch of irony. The lyrics begin with the singer distancing himself from any heroic or notable identity, stating that he wasn't born in Niterói, doesn't go by the name João, and lacks any heroic vocation. This sets the tone for a reflection on the complexities of identity, particularly within the Brazilian context, where the singer feels the weight of his mixed heritage from three sorrowful races, which makes life painful for him.
The song then shifts to a more personal and somewhat escapist imagery, where the singer finds solace in simple pleasures like lying in a hammock and quenching his thirst, while also indulging in the fantasy of naked women in Playboy. This juxtaposition of personal pain and fleeting pleasures highlights the contrast between the harsh realities of life and the small, often superficial, comforts that people cling to. The mention of future generations being filled with "cem milhões só de Pelés e de violões" (a hundred million Pelés and guitars) paints a picture of a hopeful yet somewhat idealized future for Brazil, where the country is envisioned as a land of happiness and talent.
The song concludes with a call to let Brazil progress, referencing optimistic statistics that predict a youthful population by the year 2000. This forward-looking statement is tinged with subtle irony, as the singer questions his own subtlety and perhaps the naivety of such optimistic projections. Through this song, Vinicius de Moraes captures the essence of Brazilian identity, marked by a blend of sorrow, resilience, and a hopeful yet critical outlook on the future.