João e Maria (part. Nara Leão)

Chico Buarque's 'João e Maria' is a poignant song that delves into the themes of nostalgia, innocence, and the loss of childhood simplicity. The song, featuring the voice of Nara Leão, is a classic example of Buarque's ability to weave complex emotions into his music, often reflecting on social and personal issues with a poetic touch.

The lyrics of 'João e Maria' evoke a sense of yearning for the past, where the singer reminisces about a time when life was a series of make-believe games and roles. The reference to being a hero, a king, a judge, and a cowboy speaks to the universal childhood experience of imaginative play, where anything is possible and every dream feels within reach. The mention of a princess and the playful, carefree nature of the relationship between the narrator and the princess character suggests a romanticized memory of a past love or a longing for the simplicity of childhood love.

As the song progresses, the tone shifts to a realization that this idyllic world has ended. The 'faz de conta,' or make-believe, is over, and the real world, with its complexities and pains, has taken over. The singer is left alone, questioning what life has in store for him now that the innocence of the past is gone. The final lines poignantly express the feeling of abandonment and the harsh confrontation with reality that comes with growing up. Chico Buarque's storytelling through song captures the bittersweet nature of reminiscing about a simpler time while facing the inevitability of change and the passage of time.