A Pulga

Vinicius de Moraes, a renowned Brazilian poet and musician, brings a whimsical and playful tone to his song 'A Pulga' ('The Flea'). The lyrics depict the antics of a flea as it hops around, biting its unsuspecting host. The repetitive counting in the lyrics, 'Um, dois, três, Quatro, cinco, seis,' mimics the flea's rhythmic jumps, creating a light-hearted and almost childlike atmosphere. This counting also adds a musicality to the song, making it catchy and easy to remember.

The flea's journey is described in a humorous manner, as it moves from one spot to another, causing discomfort to its 'freguês' (customer or host). The use of diminutives like 'pulinho' (little jump) and 'mordidinha' (little bite) adds to the playful nature of the song, making the flea's actions seem less menacing and more mischievous. The flea's satisfaction is evident when it declares, 'Tô de barriguinha cheia' (I'm full), before bidding farewell in multiple languages, 'Tchau, Good bye, Auf Wiedersehen.' This multilingual farewell adds a touch of sophistication and global awareness to the otherwise simple and humorous narrative.

Vinicius de Moraes was known for his ability to blend poetry with music, often infusing his works with a sense of humor and wit. 'A Pulga' is a perfect example of this, as it takes a mundane and potentially annoying subject—a flea—and turns it into a charming and entertaining story. The song can be seen as a metaphor for the small annoyances in life that we all encounter, but which can be viewed with humor and light-heartedness. It also reflects the cultural richness of Brazil, with its playful language and rhythmic patterns.