Ensaio Sobre a Cegueira

Detonautas Roque Clube's song 'Ensaio Sobre a Cegueira' delves into the profound themes of societal decay, emotional numbness, and the loss of genuine human connection. The title itself, which translates to 'Essay on Blindness,' is a nod to the novel by José Saramago, suggesting a metaphorical blindness that plagues society. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a world where hearts are hard to find, and indifference is masked by superficial attention. This indifference is further highlighted by the line 'A mentira que te cerca é mais normal do que se crê,' indicating that lies and deceit have become normalized in this dystopian reality.

The chorus urges listeners to 'Tente imaginar' (try to imagine) a world where hatred is not confused with fun, and fear is not mistaken for peace. This plea for clarity and understanding underscores the song's central message: the need to distinguish between genuine emotions and the facades that society often presents. The repetition of 'Afinal não estamos sós!' (After all, we are not alone!) serves as a reminder that despite the pervasive sense of isolation, there is still a collective human experience that binds us together.

The song takes a darker turn in the latter verses, describing a generation of 'jovens sem nenhuma utopia' (youth without any utopia) who are trapped in a cycle of despair and disillusionment. The vivid imagery of 'masturbam contemplando corpos em decomposição' (masturbating while contemplating decomposing bodies) and 'cheiram o branco pó da anemia' (sniffing the white powder of anemia) paints a harrowing picture of a lost generation. These lines critique the lack of purpose and the destructive behaviors that arise from a society devoid of hope and inspiration. The reference to Fernando Pessoa, a renowned Portuguese poet, further emphasizes the loss of poetic and philosophical guidance in contemporary life.

In essence, 'Ensaio Sobre a Cegueira' is a powerful commentary on the emotional and moral blindness that afflicts modern society. It calls for a reawakening of genuine human connection and a rejection of the superficial values that have taken root. The song's haunting lyrics and evocative imagery serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of losing sight of what truly matters in life.