Viver do Amor

Chico Buarque's song "Viver do Amor" delves into the complex and often paradoxical nature of love. The lyrics suggest that to truly live through love, one must paradoxically forget it, indicating that love requires a level of detachment and selflessness. The song portrays love as a duty, akin to a job that demands discipline and routine, as symbolized by the mention of a "despertador" or alarm clock. This metaphor suggests that love is not just a spontaneous emotion but a commitment that requires effort and perseverance.

The song further explores the idea that love involves suffering and sacrifice. Buarque uses the imagery of a worker who must "apanhar, sangrar, e suar"—to take hits, bleed, and sweat—to convey the struggles inherent in love. This portrayal challenges the romanticized notion of love as a dream or fantasy, instead presenting it as a harsh reality that demands resilience and endurance. The comparison of love to a "veneno medonho" or dreadful poison underscores its potentially destructive power, yet it is a force that one must endure and understand.

Ultimately, Buarque frames love as a form of sacrifice and a sacred duty, akin to a "sacerdócio" or priesthood. This perspective elevates love to a spiritual level, where it becomes a mission to "iluminar a dor"—to illuminate pain. The song suggests that love is not merely about personal gratification but about transcending one's own desires to bring light and understanding to the suffering of others. Through this lens, love is portrayed as a noble, albeit challenging, endeavor that requires dedication and selflessness, much like the work of a missionary.