Traficante do Amor
Wanderley Andrade
The Euphoric High of Love in 'Traficante do Amor'
The song 'Traficante do Amor' by Wanderley Andrade is a playful and metaphorical take on the concept of love as a drug. The lyrics present the singer as a 'dealer' of love, offering a substance that can make people 'high' on emotion and passion. The term 'careta,' which can be translated as 'square' or 'straight-laced,' is used to address those who might be reserved or conservative, inviting them to let go and experience the intoxicating effects of love. The song uses the language and imagery associated with drug use to describe the transformative power of love, suggesting that it can elevate one's mood and create a sense of connection.
The chorus, with its catchy repetition of 'Sou, sou, sou, sou traficante do amor' ('I am, I am, I am, I am a love dealer'), emphasizes the singer's role as a purveyor of this powerful emotion. The 'pó do amor' ('powder of love') is a metaphor for the essence of love that can make one 'travel on the waves' and 'tune in' to the sea of passion. The song suggests that love, like a drug, can create a dependency, but in a positive sense, as it is a 'natural roll' that can lift one's spirits.
Wanderley Andrade is known for his brega style, a genre of Brazilian music that often deals with sentimental themes of love and heartbreak, usually with a touch of melodrama. 'Traficante do Amor' fits within this tradition but with a unique twist, using the metaphor of drug trafficking to celebrate the joy and euphoria that love can bring. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it an engaging listen, while its lyrics offer a humorous and light-hearted perspective on the power of love to change lives.