A Paz

Gilberto Gil's song 'A Paz' (which translates to 'The Peace' in English) is a poignant reflection on the nature of peace and its paradoxical relationship with war. The lyrics describe peace as an overwhelming force, akin to a typhoon or a bomb, that has the power to uproot and transform. The song uses powerful imagery, such as the bomb over Japan, which is a clear reference to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. This event, while devastating, led to the end of the war and the beginning of a peaceful era for Japan, hence the 'Japan of peace.'

The song also delves into personal emotions, with the narrator thinking of himself and a loved one, and crying for the shared experience of conflict. The contradiction mentioned in the lyrics highlights the irony that often only through war does peace become a priority. The mention of the 'end of the road' and the 'lilac end of the afternoon' suggests a time of reflection and possibly the end of a personal journey or struggle. The 'mar arrebenta em mim' (the sea breaks within me) metaphorically represents the emotional release and the overwhelming nature of peace when it finally arrives.

Gilberto Gil is a renowned Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his contributions to the Tropicalia movement, which blended Brazilian music with rock, folk, and other genres. His music often addresses social and political issues, and 'A Paz' is no exception. The song's contemplative nature invites listeners to consider the cost of peace and the strange ways in which it can be achieved, as well as the personal and collective relief it brings when it finally takes hold.