O Ciúme

Caetano Veloso's song 'O Ciúme' (which translates to 'The Jealousy') is a poignant exploration of the emotion of jealousy and its pervasive impact on the human experience. The lyrics paint a picture of a world momentarily at rest under the midday sun, with the states of Pernambuco and Bahia, and the cities of Petrolina and Juazeiro, all in a state of slumber. However, the narrator's jealousy remains awake, vigilant, and consuming, likened to a 'black point' amidst the tranquility.

The metaphor of jealousy as a 'black arrow' that strikes the throat is powerful, suggesting that jealousy can silence even the most expressive of voices. The reference to the São Francisco River (Velho Chico) and its journey from Minas Gerais introduces a sense of longing and secrecy, as the river carries with it untold stories and mysteries that the narrator feels excluded from. This exclusion is emphasized by the repetition of 'só eu' (only me), highlighting the isolation that jealousy can create.

The song concludes with a reflection on the ubiquity of jealousy, describing it as a monstrous shadow that looms over every road and room, affecting everyone whether they sing or stay silent. The imagery of 'stretched souls on the tanning rack' evokes the idea of emotional strain and the toll that jealousy takes on people. Veloso's lyrics are a reminder of the universal and often destructive nature of jealousy, and the way it can overshadow and distort our perceptions of life and relationships.