Minotauro de Borges

Baco Exu do Blues' song 'Minotauro de Borges' is a profound exploration of identity, struggle, and the paradoxes of success. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a Black man navigating a world that often seems set against him. The opening lines, where he compares himself to Usain Bolt, highlight the constant need to outrun societal constraints and prejudices. The metaphor of running faster than cars and not being made of clay suggests a superhuman resilience and strength, while the repeated question of why he doesn't fall underscores the disbelief and scrutiny he faces from society.

The song delves deeper into themes of legacy and recognition. Baco imagines himself as a ghostwriter for Beethoven and a painter of Eden, reimagining historical and cultural narratives through a Black lens. The imagery of cutting his wings and showing his scars speaks to the sacrifices and pain endured in his journey. The refrain 'Baco vive' (Baco lives) serves as a powerful assertion of his enduring presence and impact, even in the face of death and adversity. This is further emphasized by the repeated lines about museums seeking black marble to create a statue of him, symbolizing a quest for lasting recognition and honor.

In the latter part of the song, Baco grapples with the darker aspects of his success. He likens himself to the Minotaur, a creature of myth trapped in a labyrinth, symbolizing his entrapment in a cycle of depression and self-destruction. The reference to Borges, a writer known for his complex and often labyrinthine stories, adds a layer of intellectual and existential depth. Baco's admission of drinking from depression until it overflows and the line 'vencer me fez vilão' (winning made me a villain) reflect the internal conflict and the toll that success can take on one's mental health. The song ends on a haunting note, with the repeated contemplation of self-destruction, highlighting the ongoing struggle between survival and self-annihilation.