Cotidiano n°2

Vinicius de Moraes' song 'Cotidiano n°2' delves into the mundane and often disheartening aspects of daily life, juxtaposed with the solace found in music. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man grappling with the monotony and challenges of his existence. He opens with a sense of confusion and disorientation, seeking refuge in the works of the poet Neruda and the temporary escape provided by alcohol, only to find himself embroiled in trivial arguments about football. This opening sets the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the cyclical nature of his struggles.

The recurring refrain, 'Mas não tem nada, não / Tenho o meu violão' (But it's nothing, I have my guitar), serves as a poignant reminder of the protagonist's coping mechanism. Despite the bleakness of his mornings, marked by blood-stained newspapers and the chaos of children, he finds a semblance of peace in his guitar. This instrument becomes a symbol of hope and resilience, a constant in the face of life's unpredictability. The mention of Herodes, a biblical reference to King Herod known for his cruelty, underscores the protagonist's frustration and sense of helplessness.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's dreams and aspirations are laid bare. He fantasizes about winning the lottery and laughs at the frivolity of the rich, yet these dreams are fleeting. The weekends offer a brief respite, filled with drunken reveries and grandiose solutions, but the dawn brings the same old stories. The existential questioning in the final verse, where he asks God about the purpose of creation, encapsulates his deep-seated disillusionment. Yet, through it all, his guitar remains his anchor, a testament to the enduring power of music to provide comfort and meaning in the face of life's absurdities.