A Banca do Distinto

Elis Regina's song 'A Banca do Distinto' is a poignant critique of social arrogance and the illusion of superiority. The lyrics address a person of high social standing, referred to as 'doutor,' who looks down on the less fortunate, refuses to associate with the poor, and carries an air of pride and vanity. The song's opening lines highlight this disdainful attitude, emphasizing the character's refusal to engage with those he deems beneath him.

The song uses vivid metaphors to illustrate the inevitable downfall of those who let vanity and pride dictate their actions. The 'bruxa que é cega' (blind witch) symbolizes fate or misfortune, which can strike anyone regardless of their social status. The lyrics suggest that no amount of social posturing can protect one from life's unpredictable challenges, such as illness or death. The line 'O enfarto te pega, doutor' (a heart attack catches you, doctor) serves as a stark reminder of human vulnerability.

Elis Regina's powerful delivery of the song underscores its message about the futility of social pretensions. The metaphor of the 'coqueiro' (coconut tree) and the subsequent fall represents the higher one elevates themselves through vanity, the harder they will fall. The song concludes with a sobering reminder of mortality, stating that in the end, everyone is equal when they are laid to rest 'com terra em cima e na horizontal' (with earth on top and horizontally). This final image serves as a powerful equalizer, stripping away all social distinctions and reminding listeners of the shared human experience.