Carne e Osso

In 'Carne e Osso,' Zélia Duncan delves into the profound beauty and complexity of human existence. The song's title, which translates to 'Flesh and Bone,' sets the stage for an exploration of the human condition, celebrating the imperfections and the raw, authentic experiences that define us. The opening lines, 'Alegria do pecado às vezes toma conta de mim / E é tão bom não ser divina,' suggest a sense of liberation in embracing one's flaws and earthly desires. Duncan finds joy in her humanity, rejecting the notion of divinity in favor of a more grounded, tangible existence.

The lyrics continue to explore this theme, with Duncan expressing a fascination with her own humanity: 'Me cobrir de humanidade me fascina / E me aproxima do céu.' Here, she suggests that it is through embracing our human nature, with all its imperfections, that we come closer to a sense of spiritual fulfillment. This paradoxical idea—that our flaws and earthly experiences can bring us closer to the divine—challenges traditional notions of perfection and purity.

Duncan further critiques the pursuit of perfection, stating, 'Perfeição demais me agita os instintos / Quem se diz muito perfeito / Na certa encontrou um jeito insosso / Pra não ser de carne e osso.' She argues that striving for perfection can dull our instincts and strip away the essence of what makes us human. Those who claim to be perfect, she suggests, have found a bland way to avoid the messiness of being 'flesh and bone.' Through this song, Duncan invites listeners to embrace their humanity, with all its imperfections, as a path to a richer, more authentic life.