João e Maria

Caetano Veloso's song 'João e Maria' is a poetic journey through the realms of childhood imagination and the bittersweet transition to adulthood. The lyrics are rich with imagery that evokes the innocence and creativity of a child's mind. The protagonist reminisces about a time when he was a hero, riding a horse that spoke English, and his beloved was a princess. This fantastical world is filled with battles against German battalions and playful rehearsals for rock matinées, symbolizing the boundless possibilities and adventures that childhood dreams can hold.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's roles shift from hero to king, bedel, and judge, each role emphasizing a different aspect of control and authority in his imagined kingdom. The line 'E pela minha lei, a gente era obrigado a ser feliz' (And by my law, we were obliged to be happy) reflects a child's simplistic yet profound understanding of happiness and governance. The princess, who is crowned by the protagonist, represents an idealized love and beauty that is both pure and unattainable. Her nudity symbolizes vulnerability and the unfiltered nature of childhood perceptions.

The song takes a melancholic turn as the protagonist pleads for his beloved not to flee, asking her to pretend he is her favorite toy or pet. This plea underscores a deep-seated fear of abandonment and the desire to hold onto the innocence and security of childhood. The final verses reveal the inevitable end of this make-believe world, as the protagonist faces the harsh reality of growing up. The beloved disappears without warning, leaving him to question what life will bring. This poignant ending captures the universal experience of loss and the uncertainty that accompanies the transition from childhood to adulthood.